GM9 Article 3(4) U-space
airspace
ED Decision 2022/022/R
U-SPACE AIRSPACE — TRAFFIC INFORMATION AND SURVEILLANCE VOLUME
Proximity is understood as the distance between two aircraft. In the context of traffic information service, its value should be determined in such a way to allow UAS operators enough time to take appropriate action to avoid collision hazards. Proximity values may vary depending on the geography of the U-space airspace and the type of expected operations (e.g. BVLOS/VLOS), and also on the type and performance of manned aircraft that operate in or cross through the U-space airspace.
The constraints in terms of situational awareness, and thus the proximity values, may differ for manned and unmanned aircraft. Manned aircraft are usually much faster than unmanned aircraft. Due to their higher velocity, and due to the fact that manned aircraft induce wake turbulence, UAS operators may need to ensure situational awareness at a much wider scale to effectively assess incoming traffic and take appropriate action to maintain sufficient spacing.
For instance, to enable a 10-minute reaction time for the UAS operator, and considering a manned traffic velocity of 120 kt (≈240 km), a wider volume of 20 NM (≈37 km) and 5 000 ft (≈1 500 m) may be taken as reference to adequately monitor manned traffic patterns.
These factors are to be considered by Member States to ultimately specify the appropriate ‘surveillance volume’. In addition, considering such constraints, and to safely enable operations close to the geographical borders of the U-space airspace, the ‘surveillance volume’ should include the adjacent airspace beyond the strict geographical limit of the U-space airspace.
U-space airspace regulations require sufficient traffic information and surveillance to prevent collisions. Proximity distances between aircraft vary based on geography, operation type (BVLOS/VLOS), and manned aircraft performance. Member States define surveillance volumes, considering manned aircraft speed and wake turbulence, potentially extending beyond U-space boundaries for safe operations.
* Summary by Aviation.Bot - Always consult the original document for the most accurate information.
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