NHS drone deliveries spark opposition from microlight pilots

The National Health Service is using drones to deliver chemotherapy drugs from Portsmouth to the Isle of Wight. Photo: Apian/PA

Amateur microlight pilots have criticized plans to use autonomous drones to deliver medical supplies to rural hospitals under an NHS deal that would close off UK airspace.

Zipline, a Silicon Valley drone company, is preparing to start delivering to about 30 locations north-west of the UK. Newcastle is under investigation by Northumbria NHS Foundation Trust.

The program, organized by British medical logistics company Apian, is being seen as a way to get vital supplies such as prescription drugs and joint replacement items there. they are needed quickly.

However, the plans were fiercely opposed by local pilots, who said they would close small local airfields and limit flying privileges.

Hundreds of objections have been raised against plans for a six-month test of amateur microlight aircraft. and glider pilots. The lack of regulations on autonomous drones in the UK means trials of the technology involve reserving airspace for aircraft, preventing other vehicles traveling at similar altitudes from using it.

The Civil Aviation Alliance, which represents enthusiasts , including gliders, balloonists, paragliders and microlight pilots, said it strongly opposed the proposals.

The British Microlight Aircraft Association said the premise for bringing drones to the area was «flawed». » due to the existing road network.

The pilots said the tests should not be carried out without the drones being equipped with collision avoidance technology, and that altitude requirements could force them into low visibility areas.

This comes despite Apian recently limiting the testing time and has restricted its airspace to avoid affecting individual airfields.

The plan is still awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Zipline said it hopes to begin testing in the fall and will be able to reduce wait lines.

The company, whose electric plane can fly 130 miles on a single charge, is already working with clients like Walmart. To date, its drones have flown 60 million miles for commercial purposes, including delivering vaccines to remote areas of Africa.

The company says it will deliver goods to about 30 locations from a central hub, dropping items on the ground using a parachute systems.
Apian, founded by a team of NHS doctors, has also partnered with Google's drone division Wing.

Louise Smith, chief aviation officer, said the company had created «what we believe is safe and operable airspace while achieving our public health goals.»

She said: «Overall, these changes have been welcomed and there is now more support from airspace users who had previously objected.»

Apian said it was working with the CAA to create an integrated airspace between drones and other aircraft.

>

The UK has been seen as a potential pioneer in drone delivery, with Amazon conducting trials in Cambridgeshire in 2013 , but the online retailer left for the US, partly frustrated by slow regulatory reforms. The company said it plans to begin its first commercial deliveries in the UK next year.

Various NHS trusts are trialling drone delivery services, including on the Isle of Wight.