In time, it’s hoped that the map will become richer and display things ranging from live events, potential hazards and other useful features of the area. “We are rolling it out for the Ohio region, but we would like it to expand nationally.”Įach flight route is displayed on a map that also displays weather conditions for the area. “Instead of following the air traffic control model, let’s create a voluntary, community-based UAS traffic-management website,” they say. The WSRI believe their approach may provide an alternative to what is currently being tried. With the rapid growth in drone traffic, there have been concerns raised that the FAA, and similar bodies, are struggling to keep pace with the change. It’s believed that 500,000 drones are in operation at the moment, and whilst hobbyists account for much of this, there is also a growing commercial operation. “ You don’t need an air traffic controller at all.” “The beauty of this is that drone operators go to the website with their flight plans and can immediately find out if there is any conflict,” WSRI say. The service, called GoFlyZone, uses the flight plans uploaded by drone operators to produce traffic maps, with the aim being to help avoid incidents by allowing other operators to see flight paths and times before they take to the sky. They have developed an air traffic control style website and app to help monitor and police drone traffic. One potential solution has been developed by the Wright State Research Institute (WSRI). As numbers grow however, they run the risk of cluttering up the airspace and posing a significant safety risk. They’re being used for everything from monitoring pipelines to carrying out environmental surveys. As drones have become cheaper and more versatile, their numbers have soared.

Wright traffic control