INVIRCAT - A concept of operations to efficiently integrate IFR RPAS into the TMA

INVIRCAT is a European project co-funded by SESAR Joint Undertaking under European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (GA No. 893375), which is dedicated to developing means for a safe and efficient integration of RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) into the existing Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures and infrastructures within Terminal Manoeuvring Areas (TMA) under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The 30 months project (01.07.2020 – 31.12.2022) has produced an initial concept of operations for remotely piloted aircraft systems in the TMA of airports, which will be assessed and validated through a set of human-in-the-loop simulations. INVIRCAT focusses on the influence of RPAS specific challenges, such as latency and failure of the voice and command and control links, on human factor aspects of air traffic controllers and remote pilots and investigates possible mitigations, such as the use of automatic take-off and landing systems and predetermined contingency procedures. Thereby, INVIRCAT considers different RPAS types, from MALE/HALE configurations to retrofitted airliners used for cargo operations and an operational environment in which multiple RPAS at a time share the airspace of the TMA with manned aircraft