Coordination of unmanned aircraft flights

Coordination of unmanned aircraft flights

As of April 16, 2024, an updated procedure for coordinating Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)  operations is in effect. This procedure prescribes the way how UAS operations are to be conducted within the Riga International Airport air traffic control zone (“RIGA CTR”) and the Liepaja International Airport flight information zone (“LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A”).

The coordination procedure stipulates that UAS operations within the boundaries of “RIGA CTR” and “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” are permitted at altitudes of up to 50 meters above the ground or water surface with a UAV that has a maximum takeoff mass of up to 2 kilograms. These flights must be conducted no closer than 5 kilometers from the runway thresholds of Riga International Airport or Liepaja International Airport.

To conduct UAS operations within the boundaries of “RIGA CTR” and “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” at altitudes above 50 meters  above ground or water, or within 5 kilometers of the runway thresholds of Riga International Airport or Liepaja International Airport, coordination with “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” is required.

Please note that at the end of 2023, the transition period allowing exceptions to the requirement for C-class identification markings for UAS operating in the “open” category came to an end. As of January 1, 2024, the requirement for C-class identification markings —certifying that the UAS meets specific standards—is enforced. More detailed information about C-class identification markings is available at EASA webpage https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/domains/drones-air-mobility/operating-drone/open-category-low-risk-civil-drones.

The updated procedure categorizes UAS operations into five coordination types, labeled A through E. Each coordination type has its own restrictions, conditions, or requirements that supplement or clarify the general requirements. This means that if a UAS operation takes place in an airspace area where multiple UAS geographic zones overlap, the remote pilot must comply with the restrictions and conditions of all relevant zones.

It is important to note that UAS operations in the specific category may only be conducted by a UAS operator who has obtained an operational authorization from the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA). Additional information about the specific category and the required authorizations is available on the following websites: Specific Category and Operational Authorizations.

Within the boundaries of “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A,” the following coordination types are applied:

Type A: For UAS operations within 5 kilometers of the runway thresholds of Liepaja International Airport or at an altitude above 50 meters within the “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” boundaries.

Type B: For UAS operations at an altitude of up to 120 meters within the “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” boundaries during times when the air traffic information service operator is not providing services.

Type C: Conditions for UAS operations at an altitude of up to 50 meters at a distance greater than 5 kilometers from the runway thresholds of Liepaja International Airport.

Within the boundaries of “RIGA CTR,” the following coordination types are applied:

Type A: For UAS operations within 5 kilometers of the runway thresholds of Riga International Airport or at an altitude above 50 meters within the “RIGA CTR” boundaries.

Type C: Conditions for UAS operations at an altitude of up to 50 meters at a distance greater than 5 kilometers from the runway thresholds of Riga International Airport.

Type C (Exceptions): This coordination type supplements Type C and allows UAS operations at altitudes above 50 meters under certain conditions.

Type D: Special procedures for the coordination of state and military UA flights.

Type E: Special procedures for UAS operations within 5 kilometers of the runway thresholds of Riga International Airport.

Conditions for UAS operations within “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” Boundaries

Coordination Type C within the “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” boundaries specifies the following:

  • UAS operations are permitted in the “open” and “specific” categories up to an altitude of 50 meters above the ground or water surface, provided they are conducted no closer than 5 kilometers from the runway thresholds of Liepaja International Airport.
  • If the UA has a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2 kilograms, the flight may only be conducted by a remote pilot who holds an A2 competence certificate or an STS theoretical knowledge certificate, and accreditation that verifies the completion of practical training in accordance with one of the specific category standard scenarios or other operational concepts within the specific category.
  • Additionally, the UAS must meet the requirements described in the section “Requirements for UAVs with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2 kilograms.”

Coordination Type A within “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” Boundaries

Coordination Type A is intended for UAS operations at an altitude above 50 meters above the ground or water surface, or within 5 kilometers of the runway thresholds of Liepaja International Airport during times when the Liepaja Air Traffic Information Service Operator (AFISO) is providing services. In such cases, information exchange between the remote pilot and AFISO is required, which is facilitated by an LGS coordinator on-site. This coordination type ensures that a safe distance is maintained between manned aircraft and UA, meaning that UAS operations are coordinated with manned aviation flights to avoid any potential hazards.

Please note that the services of the LGS coordinator are a paid service.

Charges

  • Provision of Aeronautical Information (fixed daily rate): €18.15 per day, including VAT
  • LGS coordinator visit (weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00): €36.30 per hour, including VAT
  • LGS coordinator visit (outside office hours, weekends, and public holidays): €72.60 per hour, including VAT

Minimum Daily Charge and Service Request Information

  • Minimum Daily Charge: €54.45, including VAT.

To request this service, the UAS operator must complete and electronically sign Form A and send it to bgk@lgs.lv. LGS representatives will inform the UAS operator about the next steps.

Coordination Request Deadline: 7 working days before the flight.

The provision of the service depends on the availability of personnel and the activities requested by other airspace users.

If the request deadlines are not met, the coordination of UAS operations will be subject to the activities requested by other airspace users and the availability of LGS coordinators.

Coordination Type B within “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” Boundaries

Coordination Type B specifies that UAS operations within the “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” boundaries can be conducted at altitudes up to 120 meters in the “open” category or higher in the “specific” category, provided that the UAS operator has the appropriate operational authorization. These flights can occur when the Air Traffic Information Service Operator (AFISO) is not providing services. Coordination Type B includes several steps to clarify the current AFISO working hours.

To request this coordination type, the UAS operator must complete and electronically sign Form B and send it to bgk@lgs.lv. After processing the application, LGS representatives will inform the UAS operator about the next steps.

Coordination Request Deadline: At least 3 working days before the flight.

The provision of the service depends on the availability of personnel and the activities requested by other airspace users.

If the request deadlines are not met, the coordination of UAS operations will be subject to the activities requested by other airspace users and the availability of LGS coordinators.

Coordination Type C within “RIGA CTR” Boundaries

Coordination Type C specifies that UAS operations within the “RIGA CTR” boundaries are permitted up to an altitude of 50 meters above the ground or water surface, provided that they are conducted no closer than 5 kilometers from the runway thresholds of Riga International Airport.

If the UA has a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2 kilograms, the flight may only be conducted by a remote pilot who holds an A2 competence certificate or an STS theoretical knowledge certificate and accreditation that verifies the completion of practical training in accordance with one of the specific category standard scenarios or other operational concepts within the specific category. Additionally, the UA must meet the requirements described in the section “Requirements for UA with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 2 kilograms.”

Coordination Type C (Exceptions) within “RIGA CTR” Boundaries

Coordination Type C (Exceptions) applies to special cases where UAS operations can be conducted at altitudes above 50 meters. Such requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. An exception must be requested from LGS and approved.

If the intended UA flight is near an artificial obstacle that exceeds 105 meters in height and the flight passes within 15 meters above it, the UAS operator must obtain explicit permission from the owner or representative of the object for such operations.

To request Type C (Exceptions) coordination, the UAS operator must complete and electronically sign Form C and send it to bgk@lgs.lv. After processing the application, LGS representatives will inform the UAS operator about the next steps.

Coordination Request Deadline: At least 5 working days before the flight.

The provision of the service depends on the availability of personnel and the activities requested by other airspace users.

Coordination Type A within “RIGA CTR” Boundaries

Coordination Type A is designated for UAS operations conducted at altitudes above 50 meters above the ground or water surface, or within 5 kilometers of the runway thresholds of Riga International Airport. In these cases, information exchange between the remote pilot and Riga Air Traffic Control (ATC) dispatchers is required, which is facilitated by an LGS coordinator on-site.

LGS Coordinator Services Fees:

  • Provision of Aeronautical Information (fixed daily rate): €18.15 per day, including VAT
  • LGS Specialist Visit (weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00): €36.30 per hour, including VAT
  • LGS Specialist Visit (outside office hours, weekends, and public holidays): €72.60 per hour, including VAT

Minimum Daily Charge: €54.45, including VAT.

To request this service, the UAS operator must complete and electronically sign Form A and send it to bgk@lgs.lv. LGS representatives will inform the UAS operator about the next steps.

Service Provision: Dependent on personnel availability and activities requested by other airspace users.

Coordination Request Deadlines:

  • For flights during weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00: At least 3 working days before the flight.
  • For other times: At least 5 working days before the flight.

Coordination Type D within “RIGA CTR” Boundaries

Coordination Type D outlines the procedures for coordinating state and military UAS operations in the vicinity of Riga International Airport.

LGS invites state institutions conducting state UAS operations or military UAS operations, as well as authorized representatives of municipal police, to contact LGS for additional information about this coordination type and collaboration conditions by sending an email to lgs@lgs.lv.

Coordination Type E within “RIGA CTR” Boundaries

Coordination Type E describes the procedure for UAS operations near Riga International Airport without the presence of an LGS coordinator. In this case, an agreement is made with the UAS operator regarding the date and time interval for the UAS operations.

LGS may offer this coordination type to UAS operators in individual cases where, after reviewing a request for Coordination Type A, it is determined that the planned UAS operations can be conducted safely without the presence of an LGS coordinator. The evaluation considers the nature and parameters of the planned UAS operations, their compliance with Coordination Type E conditions, the remote pilot’s qualifications, previous collaboration with LGS, and other relevant factors.

Detailed information about the conditions and parameters for Coordination Type E is provided on a case-by-case basis when it is decided to proceed with this coordination type.

Requirements for UAs with a Maximum Takeoff Mass Exceeding 2 Kilograms

This section outlines the requirements for UA applicable to operations in the “open” category under Coordination Types C (and Exceptions), D, and E. In these cases, the UAS must be equipped with solutions that provide the remote pilot with information on the UA location, flight altitude and speed, battery charge level, control and communication (C2) link, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signal strength and quality. Additionally, the UAS must have automatic alerts if the signal becomes too weak or of poor quality, and must include fail-safe functions for at least the following scenarios:

  • Loss of Control and Communication (C2) Link: If the control and communication (C2) link between the UA and the remote control device is lost, a fail-safe function must automatically activate within 5 seconds to perform an automatic landing in a safe location according to pre-set conditions (while preventing the continuation of any previously programmed automatic flight route, if applicable).
  • Problems with Positioning Sensors: In cases such as interference with or complete loss of the GNSS signal, the UAS must automatically disable these sensors (or provide the option for manual disabling).
  • Flight Data Recording: The UAS must record flight data, including information on flight time, coordinates, altitude, and speed.
  • Altitude Reduction Capability: The UA must be configured to reduce its flight altitude at a speed of at least 2.5 m/s.
  • Manual Flight Termination: The remote pilot must be able to manually terminate the flight by disabling the motor in an emergency situation.

Coordination Types C (Exceptions), D, and E do not permit UAS operations in the “open” category using home-built UA if their mass exceeds 2 kilograms.

Additional Information on UAV Flight Coordination within “RIGA CTR” and “LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A” Boundaries

  • Email: bgk@lgs.lv
  • Phone: +371 67300961

Other Useful Information

Current Information

Action in the Event of a Drone Emergency

If the remote pilot loses control of the UA and it continues to fly uncontrollably, they must immediately notify the Latvian Air Traffic Control (VAS “Latvijas gaisa satiksme”) representatives by phone:

  • +371 67300645
  • +371 67300642
  • +371 67783761

Provide the following information:

  • Total Takeoff Weight of the UAS
  • Flight Location (last known coordinates or relative to a clearly identifiable object)
  • Flight Altitude (last known altitude, specifying the reference system—Above Ground Level (AGL) or Above Mean Sea Level (AMSL))
  • Flight Direction (cardinal direction or relative to a clearly identifiable object)
  • Flight Duration with remaining fuel/battery charge level (estimated remaining flight time)
  • Maximum Flight Speed
  • Maximum Flight Duration
  • Theoretical Maximum Flight Range
  • Maximum Possible Flight Altitude

Incident Reporting
The remote pilot and/or UAS operator is required to submit an incident report (mandatory reporting) if any of the following events occur as a result of the unmanned aircraft flight:
• People have sustained fatal or serious injuries;
• A manned aviation aircraft is involved.
Individuals may also report (voluntary reporting) other incidents where there have been disruptions in the unmanned aircraft system’s operation, it has crashed, or another situation has occurred that under different circumstances could pose a threat to others.
Additional information on mandatory and voluntary reporting is available at:
https://e.caa.gov.lv/

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