The exploration and practice of low-altitude airspace flight service and traffic management in China

Abstract

Due to the inherent nature of being highly digitalized, networked and intelligent, Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operations pose a huge challenge to traditional aviation regulation and technical systems. How to keep safe, efficient and integrated operation for different Airspace users has become a pressing issue faced by civil aviation around the world. This paper focuses on the main operational scenarios and characteristics of unmanned aviation development in China. New operational characteristics and associated challenges due to diverse low-altitude users are analyzed, including operation concepts, UAS traffic management, technological test and verification, and standards. Drawing light on the practices in Europe and the United States, this paper summarizes China's practices and progress in low-altitude operations management, and analyzes future technological development needs and trends, as well as feasible implementation pathways and measures based on actual needs.