The Dutch Environmental and Transport Inspectorate (ILT-Aviation Authority) has taken an important step in the regulation of Dutch airspace.
From this year, advanced drone detection systems will be deployed to monitor drone flights and ensure safety on the ground and in the air. This equipment will enable the authority to better monitor both professional and recreational drone pilots, with extra attention to risky flights and areas.
With this innovative technology, the ILT can not only check whether drone operators adhere to their flight plans, but also gain insight into flight behavior and detect violations more quickly. The new approach should ensure safer airspace, especially in densely populated areas and around events.
risky areas
The ILT has both mobile and semi-permanent detection systems, which can be deployed flexibly throughout the Netherlands. The priority is areas where increased risks apply, such as controlled airspace areas (CTRs) around airports and locations where major events take place. Here, drones can potentially pose a danger to regular air traffic or to large groups of people.
With the mobile systems, inspectors can, for example, see live which drones are in the air, follow their routes and even determine the location of the drone operators. These systems use techniques such as Remote ID, a technology in which drones continuously transmit signals with identification data. Even drones that deliberately do not transmit a Remote ID signal are detected. This makes it easier to identify drone pilots in the event of violations.
Depending on the environment and the technology used, the detection systems have a range of 2 to 10 kilometers. This makes it possible to not only monitor local situations, but also to monitor wider zones. For long-term surveillance, semi-permanent systems are placed at locations where flying with drones is not permitted or only under strict conditions. Think of areas near airports, industrial sites or vital infrastructure such as power stations and flood defenses.
Long-term monitoring enables the ILT to identify potential risks and intervene promptly in dangerous situations. Furthermore, this approach provides valuable data on flight behaviour in places with increased safety risks, which contributes to more effective supervision in the future.
Flying a drone at vital infrastructure is allowed with the right privilege on your operating license. However, a flight at these locations entails characteristic risks. Therefore, you must follow additional rules and instructions.
The ILT has a specific focus on risky drone flights. These include flights with heavy drones, flights in densely populated areas or near airports, and flights where drones operate outside the operator's line of sight. Drones that transport goods or spray crops also fall into this category. Such operations require a permit, which is only issued under strict conditions.
With the introduction of drone detection systems, it becomes easier to signal violations and take enforcement action. Drone pilots who do not comply with the rules can be identified and addressed more quickly. This not only contributes to safety, but also to a level playing field for professional users who do meet the requirements.
safer airspace
By deploying these detection systems, the ILT is sending out a clear signal: airspace safety is a priority. By combining both technology and enforcement, the Netherlands is becoming an example in the responsible use of drones. For drone pilots, this means that they must comply with the rules, while society benefits from safer air and territory.
In the coming years, the technology may be further expanded so that the ILT can respond even better to the growing popularity of drones and the associated risks.
