DUAS 0033 - Drone Assist

Initial Report

Whilst planning a mission over linear assets, Drone Assist was used to ensure the flight went near but not through the Wittering FRZ. However, the FRZ that is marked is much smaller than the MATZ, which is not marked. We flew through the MATZ without realising or co-ordinating with Wittering. Have we made a (Human) error?

CHIRP Comment

• Technically the rules state that it is good practice to co-ordinate with the ATC of a MATZ, although it is not obligatory. It is a shortcoming that MATZ in general are not indicated on Drone Assist, however they are shown on ICAO Aeronautical Charts. So, the Board’s recommendation is that whenever flying near a military airfield, it would be wise to check on an Aeronautical Chart whether there is a MATZ or not and co-ordinate with the relevant ATC, even if your flight only goes through the MATZ, but not the FRZ.
• As a Drone pilot is worth remembering that any risk of collision that exists is as much for other aircraft as it is for the aircraft you are flying.
• The other point to bear in mind is that Drone Assist does not contain absolutely all airspace related information. It is good airmanship to consider the broader aspects of what is relevant for situational awareness and make sure you have notified and co-ordinated with parties that could have a legitimate interest.
• Looking at the diagram below it is to be noted that the 5nm radius cylindrical part of the MATZ starts at surface level and goes up to 3,000ft. The stubs of the MATZ start at 1,000ft and go up to 3,000ft. So, depending on exactly where the reporter’s flight took place, they may not in fact have flown through the MATZ itself, if their flight was within the standard Drone height limit of 400ft. and was in one of the stub areas.

The diagram below shows the dimensions of a typical MATZ.