Drone plan to be amended after backlash
A Christchurch-based company wanting to test commercial drones over Alexandra has withdrawn its initial application, but plans to try again.
Skybase partner and business development manager Liam Finlayson said Skybase had applied for a restricted section of airspace east of the Alexandra Airport in Central Otago. The company has since withdrawn its application based on concerns raised by some members of the public and the aviation industry.
‘‘We plan to resubmit an application that is more in-line with what we now understand to be the public interest, and work together to bring this incredible technology and opportunity to New Zealand,’’ he said.
The Civil Aviation Authority held a public meeting in September to discuss the application, which was met by a hostile crowd.
In an open letter, Skybase founder and chief executive Michael Read said the company would make a second application in the next few weeks.
‘‘Agreements with various groups are currently being established, with a focus on making the area safely accessible to all in the aviation industry, similar in concept to a library or public park.’’
The company was still planning to go ahead, he said.
Skybase has been operating and testing drones in Alexandra since late 2017, but wants to test drones behind the line of sight (BLOS), which requires restricted airspace.
Such technology could support urban and rural firefighting, policing, search and rescue operations, and defence, Read said. He expected it would also be of benefit to New Zealand’s primary industries by late next year. Aviation was a tightlyregulated industry and there were strict controls to protect public safety, other aviation users, and national security, he said.
‘‘The current regulations in New Zealand prohibit BLOS testing outside of segregated airspace until . . . the participants prove . . . the technology can be safely integrated.’’
Skybase planned to administer the airspace initially, then transfer it to a trust or industry representative after ‘‘settling’’ in, Read said.
‘‘This removes any chance for belief that Skybase, or the trust, would profiteer from the duty of administering the airspace.’’