Use of scientific unmanned aerial systems

Ny-Ålesund is potentially a good place to operate unmanned scientific aircrafts due to the low frequency of other types of flights, and low population density on the ground. However, since use of unmanned systems almost always requires the use of a radio transmitter/receiver for communication, there is also a general wish to keep this scientific activity at a reasonably low level. To avoid unnecessary flights, collaboration and coordination is strongly encouraged.

Recreational/hobby use of drones in Ny-Ålesund is not allowed.

Using unmanned aircraft is not without risk. To keep the risk levels acceptable it is important that the teams operating in the Ny-Ålesund area do this in accordance  with Norwegian legislation and local regulations, and that all necessary permits are obtained.

Important!

For information regarding the use of drones on Svalbard, please read the information provided by the Governor of Svalbard. Also, you must familiarise yourself with the information that is linked to on the Governor’s web page (The Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, The Norwegian National Security Authority (NSM), and others). It is the responsibility of the individual drone operator to ensure that all activity is in accordance with relevant Norwegian legislation and rules.

Radio Frequencies

Please note that special restrictions apply in Ny-Ålesund. Specifically, there is a general ban on the use of radio transmitters operating in the 2-32 GHz band in an area covered by a radius of 20 km out from Ny-Ålesund. Permission from The Norwegian Communications Authority (Nkom) is obligatory for use of any frequency in this range (2- 32 GHz) within this zone. Alternative frequencies (e.g., 433 MHz or 868 MHz) might be used for the control of equipment on unmanned aircraft provided certain conditions are met. No frequency can interfere with ongoing scientific measurements in Ny-Ålesund.

Read more about restrictions on radio frequency use in Ny-Ålesund  

Kings Bay and the local Traffic Information Zone (TIZ)

The operator must sign an agreement with the local AFIS (Kings Bay AFIS in Ny-Ålesund and Longyear AFIS) regarding use of airspace/runway and how to handle communication between AFIS and the operator during flying. It is the operator’s responsibility to provide means of contact during flight operation.

Contact: airport@kingsbay.no