Operations

From the initial idea to the final invoice - the Operations group supports research flight campaigns in specific areas throughout their entire duration:

Assessment of the feasibility of campaigns and user counselling

This is done in close cooperation with the other specialist groups and project management. The Operations group focuses on airspace, necessary authorisations, flight profiles, operational airports, safety aspects, logistics and infrastructure. The expected costs are also a factor here.

Campaign preparation, support and logistics

The preparation of measurement campaigns, in particular obtaining the necessary authorisations, begins up to two years before the campaign, depending on the complexity of the project. The campaign itself is supervised either directly at the deployment site or from the home base. The most important focal points are:

  • Obtaining flight authorisations, measurement authorisations, special authorisations
  • Coordination of flights with air traffic control
  • Coordination of several aircraft on a case-by-case basis
  • Liaising with local authorities, embassies
  • On-site infrastructure (hangar, laboratory, offices)
  • Control of flight hour budgets

Campaign conclusion, post-processing

In addition to the organisational conclusion and checking of invoices, one of the tasks at the end of the campaign is to prepare and collect the findings on procedures and new contacts in our own operations country overview. This collection is a valuable source of information for future campaigns.