Preparation/provision of aeronautical information and data to airports, airlines, other operators

Preparation and/or provision of current and statistical aeronautical information (radar data, flight plans, meteorological data, airspace configuration and status, etc.), taking into account the specific needs of the customer. The information may be provided on a case-by-case or regular basis (e.g. on the basis of an agreement). Preparation of statements/reports/statistical data to companies and individuals on meteorological conditions for insurance cases.

Development of technical regulations/requirements, project coordination, assessment of the impact of construction on air traffic services

Drafting and coordination of technical regulations/requirements for external projects in parts pertaining to the areas of LGS responsibility (airspace, air traffic infrastructure). Assessment of the potential impacts of construction on air traffic services, equipment and systems during the design phase of installations.

Provision of AFTN/AMHS service/operator services

Provision of AFTN/AMHS services: reception, processing and transmission of AFTN/AMHS messages in accordance with Annex 10 to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation and other regulatory enactments.

Provision of operator services of AFTN/AMHS centre: operation of the customer’s AFTN/AMHS centre in accordance with Annex 10 to the ICAO Convention on International Civil Aviation and other regulatory enactments (operator services 24/7).

Technical consultations and support.

Installation of air navigation systems

Full spectrum of services for procurement and installation of air navigation systems (pre-procurement consultations, development of technical specifications, participation in procurement/tendering process, participation in factory testing/acceptance (FAT), installation of equipment, site acceptance testing of equipment (SAT), preparation of certification documents for submission to Civil Aviation Agency).

Flight test support

Full range of services for performance of flight inspections of air navigation equipment and flight schemes (consultation, development of technical specifications, market research, support during flight tests, evaluation of results).

Operation/maintenance of air navigation systems

Operation/maintenance of air navigation systems includes a complete life cycle service services (assessment of current status, development of technical maintenance manuals, technical maintenance during warranty and post-warranty, conclusion/maintenance of SLA contracts with equipment manufacturers, development and maintenance of technical and safety documentation, equipment repair services, planning of equipment replacement/enhancement/ reconfiguration).

Consultancy services

Organisation of technical operation, continuity of service provision/development of redundancy concept, preparation of technical specifications, preparation of safety cases.

Additional information about BGKIS is available on the CAA website.

About the C-class identification mark

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.

UAS operations within the LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A and RIGA CTR Boundaries

Within the airspace designated for aviation traffic at the International Airport “Liepaja”, the International Airport “Riga”, and the military airfield “Lielvarde”, restrictions and limitations have been introduced for UAS operations, expressed in the form of UAS geographical zones.

Each UAS geographical zone has specific conditions for the implementation of unmanned aircraft (UA) flights. We remind you that when the operational volume of unmanned aircraft systems overlaps with multiple UAS geographical zones, it is necessary to comply with the conditions of all applicable UAS geographical zones for the flight to take place.

To begin the UAS operation coordination process, the UAS operator (or their representative) must submit the unmanned aircraft flight request in the UAS Information System (BGKIS) at https://e.caa.gov.lv/. The flight application information will be forwarded to the respective UAS geographical zone managers.

Specialists from the State Joint-Stock Company “Latvian Air Traffic” (LGS), upon receiving the unmanned aircraft flight request, will evaluate the submission and, if necessary, request additional information. As a result of the evaluation, possible coordination methods, procedures, and conditions under which UA flights can be conducted will be determined. Information about applicable coordination types (A, B, C, C (exception), D, E, E(EVGA), R, S) is included in the descriptions of the UAS geographical zones, which are under the jurisdiction of LGS Air Traffic Control Department.

Coordination Type A
UAS operations are performed in the presence of the LGS unmanned aircraft coordinator. Each flight of UA is carried out according to the instructions of the Lielvarde Tower Air Traffic Controller, Riga Tower Air Traffic Controller or the Liepaja Flight Information Service officer.
This coordination type is applied within the LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A, RIGA CTR boundaries for UA flights conducted at a distance of up to 5 kilometers from the certified airport runway threshold or at altitudes above 50 meters.
The LGS unmanned aircraft coordinator’s field service is a paid service (see the section “LGS Unmanned Aircraft Coordinator’s Service Price List”).

Coordination Type B
This coordination type applies to unmanned aircraft flights within the LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A boundary. Under this coordination type, LGS can coordinate unmanned aircraft flights up to an altitude of 120 meters above the ground or water surface during time intervals when the Liepaja Information Service operator (AFISO) is not providing air traffic information services.

Coordination Type C
This coordination type stipulates that UAS operations in the “open” and “specific” categories are allowed at altitudes up to 50 meters above the ground or water surface if they are carried out no closer than 5 kilometers from the certified airport runway.
This coordination type is applied within the LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A, LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, and RIGA CTR boundaries. Unmanned aircraft systems with a take-off mass exceeding 2 kilograms have additional requirements (see the section “Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems with a Maximum Take-Off Mass Exceeding 2 Kilograms”).

Coordination Type C (Exception)
Coordination type C (exception) is intended for cases where an UAS operations can be conducted at altitudes up to 110 meters above the ground or water surface and flights take place in an area with high artificial obstacles (e.g., skyscrapers). If the artificial obstacle exceeds 105 meters in height, unmanned aircraft flights near the obstacle may be coordinated up to an altitude that exceeds the height of the obstacle by 15 meters.
The application of Coordination Type C (exception) is evaluated individually and is only applicable within the RIGA CTR boundaries.

Coordination Type D
Coordination Type D defines how the coordination of state and military UAS operations is carried out near the International Airport “Riga” (RIGA CTR).
LGS invites state institutions conducting state unmanned aircraft flights or military unmanned aircraft flights, as well as authorized representatives of municipal police, to contact LGS by sending an email to lgs@lgs.lv to obtain additional information about this coordination type and the cooperation terms.

Coordination Type E
This is a special procedure under which unmanned aircraft flights can be conducted near the International Airport “Riga” (RIGA CTR) at altitudes up to 40 meters above the ground or water surface without the presence of the LGS unmanned aircraft coordinator. The application of this coordination type is evaluated individually. Please note that Coordination Type E has additional restrictions and conditions, which the UAS operator will be informed of if this procedure is applied. Coordination Type E cannot be applied within or in the immediate vicinity of the International Airport “Riga” area.

Coordination Type E (EVGA)

This is a custom solution for dedicated users.

Coordination Type R

A special solution for UAS operations in the vicinity of International Airport “Riga”.

Coordination Type S

A special solution for frequent UAS operations in the “specific” category over fixed locations within the atypical airspace in the vicinity of International Airport “Riga”.

Regarding UAS operations above the International Airports “Liepaja” and “Riga” Area and in the vicinity of military aerodrome “Lielvarde”
Upon receiving a flight request for an UAS operation above the controlled area of the International Airport “Liepaja”, the International Airport “Riga” or in the vicinity of military aerodrome “Lielvarde”, LGS will inform the UAS operator about the need to coordinate the flight with the respective airport operator and provide information on the next steps. Please note that this coordination process may take more than 10 days.

LGS Unmanned Aircraft Coordinator’s Service Price List (Coordination Type A).

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

Transport expenses: €0.38 per kilometer, including VAT

Example of Service Price Calculation within RIGA CTR and LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A

The minimum amount is 54.45 EUR, including VAT. This amount consists of:

• 18.15 EUR – Provision of aeronautical information
• 36.30 EUR per hour – LGS specialist call-out (on weekdays from 08:30 to 17:00)

Example of Service Price Calculation within LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A

The approximate amount starts from 180.25 EUR, including VAT. This amount consists of following components:

• 18.15 EUR – Provision of aeronautical information
• 53.20 EUR – Transport expenses from the LGS office to the UAV flight coordination site and back (70 km x 2 x 0.38 EUR)
• 72.60 EUR – LGS specialist call-out (travel time to and from the site) – 2 hours
• 36.30 EUR – LGS specialist call-out – 1 hour fee for actual UAV flight coordination

Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with a Maximum Takeoff Mass Exceeding 2 Kilograms
This section outlines the requirements for unmanned aircraft systems and operations in the “open” category in accordance with Coordination Types C (including C exception), D, E, R, S. In these cases, the UAS must be equipped with solutions that provide the remote pilot with information about the aircraft’s location, altitude, speed, battery charge level, control and communication (C2) link, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal strength and quality, automatic warnings if the signal becomes too weak or poor, as well as automatic fail-safe functions for at least the following cases:

• Loss of C2 link between UAS and remote control device – In case of loss of the C2 link, the fail-safe system will automatically activate within 5 seconds and initiate safe landing procedures according to pre-set conditions (simultaneously preventing the continuation of any pre-programmed automatic flight path, if applicable);
• Problems with positioning system sensors – For example, in case of GNSS signal disruption or complete loss, the UAS will automatically disable these sensors (or allow manual disabling);
• Flight data recording – Recording of flight time, coordinates, altitude, and speed;
• Altitude reduction capability – The UAS must be configured to reduce altitude at a rate of at least 2.5 m/s;
• Manual flight termination – The system should allow the remote pilot to manually terminate the flight by shutting off the motor in an emergency.

Coordination Types C (exception), D, E, R, S do not allow “open” category operations with homemade unmanned aircraft systems if their weight exceeds 2 kilograms.

Additional Information on UA flight coordination within the LIELVARDE CTR SECTOR A, LIEPAJA FIZ SECTOR A, RIGA CTR Boundaries
Email: bgk@lgs.lv
Phone: +371 67300961

Current Information
Map with UAS geographical zones: https://www.airspace.lv/drones
UAS geographical zones dataset: https://ais.lgs.lv/page/UAS_geozones
Aviation information, NOTAM: https://ais.lgs.lv/notam
Aviation Information Publications (AIP): https://ais.lgs.lv/aiseaip

Other Useful Information
Additional information about UAS categories:

• Open Category: https://droni.caa.gov.lv/darbibas-kategorijas/atverta-kategorija/
• Specific Category: https://droni.caa.gov.lv/darbibas-kategorijas/specifiska-kategorija/
  CAA BGKIS: https://e.caa.gov.lv

Actions in the Event of an UAS Emergency
If the remote pilot loses control of the UAS and it continues uncontrolled flight, they must immediately inform representatives of the State Joint-Stock Company “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” (LGS) using one of the following phone numbers:

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

Provide the following information:

• Total takeoff weight of the UA;
• Flight location (last known coordinates or a clearly identifiable object);
• Flight altitude (last known altitude, specifying the reference system – above ground/water surface (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 distance;
• Maximum possible flight altitude.

Reporting Incidents
The remote pilot and/or UAS operator must submit an incident report (mandatory reporting) if an UA flight results in any of the following:

• Death or serious injury to persons;
• Involvement of manned aircraft.

Persons can also report (voluntary reporting) other incidents when there are disruptions in the UAS system operation, it crashes, or a situation arises that could pose a threat to surrounding areas under other circumstances.

Additional information about mandatory and voluntary reporting is available on the website: https://e.caa.gov.lv

As of 2 January, operators of unmanned aircraft or drones can easily obtain information about the location of objects in Latvia over which drones are not permitted to fly and relevant flight restrictions. A map containing this information is available on the website of state joint stock company “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” (LGS) https://ais.lgs.lv/ under the section Integrated Air Navigation Information: https://www.airspace.lv/drones. 

This information is constantly updated.

“Drones are increasingly being used for various purposes, the industry is rapidly evolving, and unmanned aircraft will become ever more popular. However, drones must not interfere with the functioning of infrastructure by, for example, flying over or near airports, military structures or objects pertaining to state security. Unfortunately, there have been cases where, mostly due to lack of information, drone operators have flown their aircraft in areas where it is forbidden to do so, thus endangering, for example, airplanes taking off or landing at Riga airport. We have now made available a map of no-fly zones and the coordinates of restricted structures, and we hope that this will help significantly reduce the number of violations,” Dāvids Tauriņš, Chair of the Board at LGS, explains.

The information is published in accordance with the requirements contained in Cabinet of Ministers Regulation No. 368 “Procedure for flights of unmanned aircraft or other types of aircraft”. In turn, information about the location of structures and relevant flight restrictions is provided to the Civil Aviation Agency by the owners or holders of these structures in accordance with legislation on the management, structure and alteration of the air space of the Republic of Latvia.

On December 4 in Warsaw, Poland, “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” received a European Business Award (EBA) – the National Winner gold medal in the category Business of the Year Award with Turnover 26 to 150 million euros.

On December 3 and 4 Ilze Aleksandroviča, Member of the Board of LGS, Ivars Sviridovs, Head of the Financial Department, and Vladislavs Čaščins, Deputy Head of the Technical Support Department, attended the EBA finals providing answers to the intricate questions posed by the competent jury.

After the event I.Aleksandroviča said: “We usually compare ourselves and share experiences with other air navigation and navigation sector companies in Europe, of which we are one of the best. This is the first time we are comparing ourselves to private companies of all kinds of sectors, where each one has its own recipe for growth. Even though we differed from the others at Warsaw in that we are a state-owned company working in a regulated sector, the experiences of other companies can to some extent be applied to our further development as well.”

The European Business Awards were presented for the 12th year to promote the development of strong and successful companies throughout Europe. They are currently one of the largest and most prestigious business awards in Europe. The awards ceremony was attended by approximately 500 heads of successful businesses, scholars and politicians.

150,000 companies from 33 countries were selected for the first round of evaluation. 2753 companies made it into the “Ones to Watch” list, and of those a jury selected only 363 companies for the final shortlist. LGS was one of two Latvian companies participating in the finals.

More information available at: www.businessawardseurope.com

On the eve of Latvia’s 101st anniversary, state joint stock company “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” (LGS) received the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia award for best employer in the state-owned capital company category. LGS received the award at the Annual Awards 2019 ceremony organised by the Employers’ Confederation.

As per the established tradition, the Employers’ Confederation presented awards to the best employers in a total of 10 sectors, as well the “Economic Operator of the Year” award.

The Annual Awards of the Employers’ Confederation honour the most proactive and socially responsible employers driving the development and growth of the Latvian economy. This was the sixth edition of the awards.

The final presentation will take place in Warsaw on 3 and 4 December. The finalists have already been invited to the awards ceremony, where 18 winners will be announced.

Out of 29 Latvian companies, which also included several leading manufacturers and service providers, 9 companies have been short-listed for the final. This competition has been held since 2007, and this year the finalists were selected out of a total of 2753 companies, which in July were named “Ones to Watch” by an independent jury consisting of entrepreneurs, politicians and researchers. Overall more than 120 000 companies from 33 countries were nominated for the prestigious awards.

The European Business Awards is a prestigious accolade recognising the most successful European companies demonstrating commercial success, innovative performance and abiding by high standards of business ethics.

Watch the competition video of “Latvijas gaisa satiksme” and vote for it here: https://www.businessawardseurope.com/vote/detail-new/39/28519