The Case for Drone Operations Above 200' with Airspace Sensors

As the drone industry continues to expand, public safety organizations are increasingly relying on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to support critical missions. From search and rescue operations to disaster response, drones have become invaluable tools for enhancing situational awareness and improving mission outcomes. However, a debate is brewing over the appropriate altitude and technology requirements for these operations, particularly for public safety missions.

Recently, some industry stakeholders, have argued that operating drones at altitudes up to 200 feet under shielded operations with ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) is sufficient for public safety applications. While ADS-B is a valuable tool, relying solely on it for airspace awareness ignores critical safety, operational, and regulatory considerations. This article explores why enabling drone operations at higher altitudes—between 200 and 400 feet—with airspace sensors supporting detect-and-avoid (DAA) technologies is essential for ensuring safety, mission success, and the future of public safety drone operations.

Enhanced Safety in Shared Airspace

One of the most compelling arguments for airspace sensors augmenting DAA technologies at higher altitudes is the need for enhanced safety in shared airspace. ADS-B, while effective in tracking equipped aircraft, has significant limitations below 2500 feet. Many general aviation aircraft, especially those operating at lower altitudes, do not carry ADS-B transponders. This creates blind spots in situational awareness and increases the risk of collisions.¹

Airspace sensors enhance both pilot-initiated or automated DAA responses to address these gaps by providing real-time detection of both cooperative and uncooperative aircraft, as well as other hazards such as other drones. This capability is crucial for ensuring that drones can safely operate in dynamic environments, particularly in areas with high air traffic or challenging terrain. By integrating airspace sensors with DAA, public safety agencies can mitigate risks and confidently expand their operations.

Operational Benefits of Higher Altitudes

Operating drones at altitudes between 200 and 400 feet offers significant advantages for public safety missions:

1. Improved Line of Sight: Higher altitudes provide a better vantage point, allowing drones to capture more comprehensive data for situational awareness. This is critical for search and rescue, surveillance, and disaster response missions, where ground-level visibility is often obstructed by terrain or infrastructure.
2. Larger Coverage Area: At higher altitudes, drones can cover more ground using advanced optical camera technology, making operations more efficient and effective. This is especially beneficial in large-scale emergencies, rural search and rescue efforts, or daily emergency response.
3. Reduced Ground-Level Interference: Flying above 200 feet minimizes disruptions caused by buildings, trees, electronic interference, and other obstacles, enabling smoother operations and clearer data collection.

Public Trust and Technology Leadership

Public perception of drone safety plays a crucial role in the adoption of this technology. High-profile accidents or safety concerns can undermine trust in drone programs, limiting their potential impact. By incorporating airspace sensors with DAA strategies, public safety organizations demonstrate a proactive commitment to safety and responsibility, instilling confidence in the communities they serve.

Additionally, adopting airspace sensors with DAA positions agencies as leaders in innovation. This can attract federal funding, partnerships, and opportunities to collaborate on cutting-edge initiatives. Agencies that embrace airspace sensors and DAA are not just future-proofing their operations—they are setting the standard for safe and effective drone use.

Countering the 200-Foot Argument

The argument that 200 feet with ADS-B is “good enough” for public safety fails to account for the realities of shared airspace and operational needs. Many aircraft operating in this range do not use ADS-B, leaving critical gaps in airspace awareness. Moreover, capping drone operations at 200 feet limits their effectiveness, particularly for missions requiring broader coverage and higher perspectives.

Airspace sensors and Detect-and-avoid technologies enable safe operations at altitudes where drones can achieve their full potential, ensuring they remain a valuable asset for public safety missions.

Conclusion

The push for 200’- 400’ drone operations with airspace sensors and detect-and-avoid technologies is not just about expanding operational capabilities—it’s about ensuring the safety of shared airspace, enhancing mission effectiveness, and aligning with regulatory and public expectations. Public safety agencies must advocate for these technologies to ensure they can continue to meet the demands of their critical missions. By investing in airspace sensors supporting DAA and higher-altitude capabilities, we can unlock the full potential of drones while maintaining the highest standards of safety and responsibility.  

It’s time to move beyond “good enough” and embrace the technologies that will define the future of public safety operations.

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¹ Capuder, L., & Weinert, A. (2023, March 28). Characterizing the Frequency of ADS-B Aircraft Operations: Preliminary Analysis of the Boston Logan Mode C Veil. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7809507

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