The Chandler City Council recently approved agreements with both the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) and Airspace Link for a limited pilot to test a new transportation technology in West Chandler. The pilot project plans to deliver critical medical supplies via uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) —otherwise known as drones — between a pharmaceutical distributor (Omnicare) and an assisted living facility (Sunrise of Chandler).
Similar to the City of Chandler’s leadership within the autonomous vehicle industry, this limited pilot would support the testing of a new technology that has the potential to improve traffic and shorten delivery times for critical products. This project would be funded by MAG through its “Emerging Technologies Pilot Program,” which supports the deployment of innovative transportation technologies in the region.
The drone pilot project is limited to seven total days of operations during a two-week span. During the seven days of testing, Airspace Link anticipates four to six flights per day along a five-minute route. The drones will fly below the 400-foot requirement set by the Federal Aviation Administration. Operators will maintain a visual line-of-sight at all times. There will be cameras on the drones to assist with flight safety, but no video will be recorded.
Airspace Link, an uncrewed aviation services and consulting firm, is leading the project. Two additional companies participating in the pilot project include Spright and Mercury Gate International. Spright is a leading UAS company that will provide the physical aircraft for this pilot, as well as the communication systems for the deployment, monitoring and landing of the drones. Mercury Gate International is a last-mile delivery company that is exploring drones as an alternative mode of transport.
The pilot project is expected to take place this summer. Once the testing dates are confirmed by Airspace Link, the City will update its website, notify residents via its social media sites and send emails to registered neighborhood associations and the business community located in West Chandler.
