Part 174 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management

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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 174 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems Traffic Management
SUBPART A – GENERAL .... 3
§ 174.01 Applicability. 3
§ 174.03 Definitions....3
SUBPART B – UTM AIRSPACE ....5
§ 174.101 Applicability....5
§ 174.103 Establishment of UTM airspace....5
§ 174.105 Airspace safety risk assessment. 6
§ 174.107 Designation and registration of UTM airspace....7
SUBPART C – COMMON INFORMATION SERVICES....8
§ 174.201 Applicability....8
§ 174.203 Common Information Services....8
§ 174.205 Key information for UTM. 8
§ 174.213 Availability of data by the Central UTM Service Provider. 8
§ 174.215 Exchange of operational data and information....9
SUBPART D – REQUIREMENTS FOR UAS OPERATORS ....11
§ 174.301 Applicability....11
§ 174.303 Authorization to operate in UTM airspace....11
§ 174.305 Compliance with UAS requirements....11
§ 174.307 Usage of UTM services. 11
§ 174.309 UAS flight authorization....11
§ 174.311 Operational requirements....12
SUBPART E – REQUIREMENTS FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS....13
§ 174.401 Applicability....13
§ 174.405 UAS capability requirements....13
§ 174.407 UAS performance requirements....13
SUBPART F – REQUIREMENTS FOR UTM SERVICE PROVIDERS ....14
§ 174.501 Applicability....14
§ 174.503 Approval to provide UTM services....14
§ 174.505 Responsibility to provide UTM services....14
§ 174.507 Arrangements with air traffic service providers. 14
§ 174.509 Requirements for handling of air traffic data. 15
§ 174.511 Exchange of information with other entities. 15
§ 174.513 Reporting of information to the GACA. 15
§ 174.515 Record keeping. 15
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
SUBPART G – UAS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SERVICES ....17
§ 174.551 Applicability. 17
§ 174.553 Mandatory UTM services....17
§ 174.555 Authorization of mandatory UTM services....17
§ 174.557 Additional UTM services....17
§ 174.559 Acceptance of additional UTM services....18
§ 174.561 Network identification service....18
§ 174.563 Geo-awareness service....19
§ 174.565 UAS flight authorization service....19
§ 174.567 Traffic information service. 21
§ 174.569 Weather information service....21
§ 174.571 Conformance monitoring service....22
SUBPART H - CERTIFICATION OF UTM SERVICE PROVIDERS....23
§ 174.591 Applicability. 23
§ 174.593 Application for a certificate. 23
§ 174.595 Conditions for a certificate....23
§ 174.597 Validity of the certificate. 24
APPENDIX A - DATA QUALITY AND DATA PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS ......26
§ 174.701 Applicability. 26
§ 174.703 Data quality requirements. 26
§ 174.705 Data protection requirements. 26
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
SUBPART A - GENERAL
§ 174.01 Applicability.
(a) This GACAR applies, within the UAS geographical zones established as UTM airspace, to UAS operators and UTM service providers.
(b) This GACAR does not apply to operations of UAS conducted:
(1) outside geographical volumes of airspace designated as UTM airspace.
(2) in the framework of model aircraft clubs and associations that have received an authorisation in accordance with § 107.18 of GACAR Part 107 Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
(3) in the Open category of operations with an unmanned aircraft that has a maximum take-off mass, including payload, of less than 250 g and a maximum operating speed of less than 19 m/s.
§ 174.03 Definitions.
For the purposes of this Part, the following definitions apply:
Airspace safety risk assessment means an evaluation of operational and safety risks that takes into account the type, complexity, and density of the traffic, the location, altitudes or heights, and airspace classification.
Common Information Service: means a service consisting of the dissemination of static and dynamic data to enable the provision of UTM services for the management of the traffic of aircraft.
UAS Traffic Management (UTM) means a specific aspect of air traffic management which manages UAS operations safely, economically and efficiently through the provision of facilities and a seamless set of services in collaboration with all parties and involving airborne and ground-based functions.
UTM system means a system that provides UTM through the collaborative integration of humans, information, technology, facilities and services, supported by air, ground or space-based communications, navigation and surveillance.
UTM airspace means a designated UAS geographical zone, where UAS operations are only allowed to take place with the support of UTM services.
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UTM service means a service relying on digital services and automation of functions designed to support safe, secure and efficient access to UTM airspace for a large number of UAS.
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SUBPART B – UTM AIRSPACE
§ 174.101 Applicability.
This Subpart applies to the establishment of UTM airspace by UTM Service Providers.
§ 174.103 Establishment of UTM airspace.
(a) Establishment of UTM airspace, through the setting of geographical limits and horizontal and vertical limits, must be supported by airspace safety risk assessment.
(b) For each UTM airspace, the required UTM services must be determined.
(c) UAS operations in UTM airspace must be subject to at least the following mandatory UTM services:
(1) network identification service.
(2) geo-awareness service.
(3) UAS flight authorisation service.
(4) traffic information service.
(d) For each UTM airspace, based on the airspace safety risk assessment referred to in (a), the following must be determined:
(1) UAS capabilities and performance requirements, based on the following criteria:
(i) Expected UAS types of operations and manned traffic density.
(ii) Existing airspace classification and structures.
(iii) UTM services to be provided.
(iv) Any other additional constraints.
(2) UTM services performance requirements, based on the following criteria:
(i) Ground and air risk.
(ii) Geographical area overflown.
(iii) Known severe weather conditions.
(iv) Availability of infrastructure supporting UTM services.
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
(3) Applicable operational conditions, based on the following criteria:
(i) Expected types of flight.
(ii) Contingency and emergency procedures for UAS.
(iii) The procedure between UTM service providers and the relevant air traffic services units to coordinate the UAS flight authorisation request in controlled airspace.
(iv) Procedures to temporarily adjust the geographical limits of UTM airspace.
(4) Applicable airspace constraints, based on the following criteria:
(i) The available capacity for UAS traffic.
(ii) The available and planned capacity for manned aviation.
(iii) Access of manned aviation to UTM airspace.
(iv) Weather limitations for the use of the UTM airspace.
(v) Impact on aerodromes and other specific activities adjacent to the UTM airspace.
(e) For each UTM airspace located within controlled airspace, the UTM service Provider must define procedures for interaction and coordination with Air Traffic Management (ATM) systems to cover:
(1) Procedures for information exchange between UTM and ATM;
(2) Notification procedures for temporary and permanent UAS operations;
(3) Emergency and contingency coordination arrangements.
§ 174.105 Airspace safety risk assessment.
(a) The airspace safety risk assessment for the UTM airspace under consideration must be conducted by the intended UTM service provider prior to establishment of UTM airspace.
(b) The airspace safety risk assessment must be comprehensive and must, as a minimum, address the following:
(1) Safety criteria for the airspace under assessment.
(2) Identification of hazards, including failures of the UTM system and services.
(3) Risk analysis, by evaluation of the likelihood and severity of the consequences of identified hazards.
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(4) Mitigation measures to ensure that the safety criteria are met.
(c) The airspace safety risk assessment must be acceptable to the GACA.
§ 174.107 Designation and registration of UTM airspace.
(a) UTM airspace areas must be designated by the GACAR Part 171 certified air navigation service provider and registered in the air navigation register in accordance with GACAR Part 171 Subpart G “Designation, classification and registration of airspace and associated changes”.
(b) Designated UTM airspace must be published through Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) in accordance with GACAR Part 175.
Note – UTM airspace designations may be reviewed and adjusted over time based on operational experience, changes in traffic demand, risk assessment outcomes, and system performance, subject to GACA approval.
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SUBPART C – COMMON INFORMATION SERVICES
§ 174.201 Applicability.
This Subpart applies to the provision of Common Information Services.
§ 174.203 Common Information Services.
(a) Common Information Services, as identified by GACA, must be supplied by the Central UTM Service Provider in all the UTM airspace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
(b) Unless otherwise authorized by the President, Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS) is designated as the Central UTM Service Provider for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
§ 174.205 Key information for UTM.
(a) The Central UTM Service Provider must make arrangements with GACA for the provision of the following information on an as-required basis:
(1) registration data of UAS operators, Remote Pilots, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
(2) information on the operational approval of UAS operations.
(b) The Central UTM Service Provider must make available UTM airspace information, for each UTM airspace, as referred to in § 174.103(d):
(1) UAS capabilities and performance requirements.
(2) UTM services performance requirements.
(3) applicable operational conditions and airspace constraints.
(4) other information necessary for safe operations in UTM airspace
§ 174.213 Availability of data by the Central UTM Service Provider.
The Central UTM Service Provider must make the following data available as part of the Common
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Information Service for each UTM airspace:
(a) Horizontal and vertical limits of the UTM airspace.
(b) A list of UTM service providers offering UTM services in UTM airspace, with the following information:
(1) identification and contact details of active UTM service providers.
(2) UTM services provided.
(3) certification limitation(s), if any.
(4) operational conditions and limitations, if any.
(d) Any adjacent UTM airspace.
(e) UAS geographical zones established by GACA and relevant to the UTM airspace.
(f) Airspace restrictions defined by relevant local authorities and permanently or temporarily limiting the volume of airspace within the UTM airspace where UAS operations can take place.
§ 174.215 Exchange of operational data and information.
(a) The exchange of information between the Central UTM Service provider and other UTM service providers must be ensured through formal arrangements laying down the quality of information and through an exchange model used for operational data and information.
(b) The exchange model as referred to in (a) must use a globally interoperable aeronautical data and aeronautical information exchange model, in order to:
(1) enable the management and distribution of information in digital format
(2) describe the exchanged information features, their properties, attributes, data types, and associations
(3) include data constraints and validation rules
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(4) apply a standard data encoding format
(5) provide an extension mechanism by which groups of users can extend the properties of existing features and add new features
(c) The Central UTM Service Provider must use a recognised encryption method.
(d) The Central UTM Service Provider and other UTM service providers must use a common secure interoperable open communication protocol.
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SUBPART D – REQUIREMENTS FOR UAS OPERATORS
§ 174.301 Applicability.
This Subpart applies, within the UAS geographical zones established as UTM airspace, to UAS operators.
§ 174.303 Authorization to operate in UTM airspace.
(a) Before operating in UTM airspace, UAS operators must hold an Operational Authorisation (OA) or UAS Operator Certificate (UOC) in accordance with GACAR Part 107 or as otherwise authorized by the President.
(b) UAS operators must comply with the operational limitations set by GACA for the UTM airspace, as stipulated in the OA or UOC.
§ 174.305 Compliance with UAS requirements.
When operating in UTM airspace, UAS operators must ensure that UAS to be operated in the UTM airspace comply with the required capabilities and performance requirements determined in accordance with § 174.405 and § 174.407 of Subpart E of this Part.
§ 174.307 Usage of UTM services.
(a) When operating in UTM airspace, UAS operators must ensure that during their operations, the necessary UTM services referred to in Subpart G of this Part are used, and their requirements are complied with.
§ 174.309 UAS flight authorization.
(a) Before each individual flight, the UAS operator must submit a UAS flight authorisation request to the UTM service provider, through the UAS flight authorisation service referred to in Subpart G of this Part.
(b) The UAS flight authorization request, as referred to in (a) must comprise the following information:
(1) registration number of the aircraft
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
(2) registration number of the UAS operator
(3) category of UAS operation (Open or Specific or Other)
(4) 4D trajectory
(5) identification technology (e.g. remote ID, transponder, ADS-B, ...)
(6) expected connectivity methods for command and control
(7) endurance (maximum length of time the unmanned aircraft can remain in flight)
(8) applicable emergency procedure in case of a loss of command and control link
(9) communication methods.
(c) When ready to start a flight, the UAS operator must request the UTM service provider for activation of the UAS flight authorisation. Upon receiving the confirmation of the activation for the UAS flight authorisation from the UTM service provider, the UAS operator will be entitled to start its flight.
(d) UAS operators must comply with the UAS flight authorization from the UTM service provider, including any applicable authorisation deviation thresholds, as well as with any changes thereto.
(e) The UTM service provider may introduce changes to the UAS flight authorisation during any phase of the flight and, in such case, must inform UAS operators about them.
(f) Where UAS operators are not able to comply with the UAS flight authorisation deviation thresholds referred to in § 174.565, they must request a new UAS flight authorisation.
§ 174.311 Operational requirements.
(a) When operating in UTM airspace, UAS operators must comply with the applicable operational conditions and airspace constraints, as published for the UTM airspace concerned.
(b) UAS operators must provide contingency measures and procedures for their UAS operations and document these in their Operations Manual, in accordance with Subpart H of GACAR Part 107.
(c) UAS operators must make their contingency measures and procedures available to the UTM service providers prior to, or as part of, the request for UAS flight authorization in UTM airspace.
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
SUBPART E – REQUIREMENTS FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS
§ 174.401 Applicability.
This Subpart applies to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) intended to be operated in UTM airspace.
§ 174.405 UAS capability requirements.
(a) UAS operated in UTM airspace must be equipped with a Network Remote Identification system.
Note – Network Remote Identification approved under GACAR Part 107, § 107.304 is acceptable to the GACA.
(b) UAS operated in UTM airspace must be equipped with a geo-awareness function.
Note – Geo-awareness functions approved under GACAR Part 107, § 107.305 are acceptable to the GACA.
(c) UAS operated in UTM airspace must meet all UAS capability requirements detailed in § 174.103(d)(1).
§ 174.407 UAS performance requirements.
(a) UAS operated in UTM airspace must meet UAS performance requirements detailed in § 174.103(d)(1), including those specified for lateral navigation performance and vertical height keeping performance.
(b) UAS operated in UTM airspace may be required to meet additional performance requirements as determined by the UTM service provider to be necessary for safe operations in that UTM airspace.
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SUBPART F – REQUIREMENTS FOR UTM SERVICE PROVIDERS
§ 174.501 Applicability.
This Subpart applies to UTM service providers.
§ 174.503 Approval to provide UTM services.
(a) UTM services must be provided by organizations certified as UTM service providers in accordance with Subpart H of this Part, unless otherwise authorized by the President.
(b) The President may authorize the provision of UTM services based on the GACA's approval or acceptance of the following:
(1) Operations Manual of the UTM service provider
(2) Description of the UTM system and services
(3) Service Level Agreement with the Central UTM Service provider
(4) Safety Assessment of the UTM system and services
(5) Any other information required by the President of the GACA.
Note – Applicants that intend to provide UTM services for experimental, research, development and/or prototyping purposes, may submit an application package to GACA. Based on the application package, it may be acceptable to the GACA that the applicant has not been certified in accordance with Subpart H of this Part.
§ 174.505 Responsibility to provide UTM services.
UTM service providers must be responsible for providing the UAS operators with the UTM services referred to in Subpart G of this Part, during all phases of operations in the UTM airspace.
§ 174.507 Arrangements with air traffic service providers.
UTM service providers must establish arrangements with the Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS)
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to ensure adequate coordination of activities, as well as exchange of relevant operational data and information.
§ 174.509 Requirements for handling of air traffic data.
UTM service providers must handle air traffic data without discrimination, restriction or interference, irrespective of their sender or receiver, content, application or service, or terminal equipment.
§ 174.511 Exchange of information with other entities.
UTM service providers must:
(a) exchange with Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS), any information that is relevant for the safe provision of UTM services.
(b) adhere to a common secure interoperable open communication protocol determined by Saudi Air Navigation Services (SANS).
(c) use the latest information made available in accordance with Subpart C of this Part.
(d) ensure that the information is exchanged in accordance with the data quality and protection requirements as given in Appendix A to this Part.
(e) ensure the access to and the necessary protection of the information exchanged.
§ 174.513 Reporting of information to the GACA.
UTM service providers must report the following to the GACA:
(a) the starting of operations after receiving the approval in accordance with § 174.503.
(b) the ceasing and subsequent restart of operations, if applicable. A notification form for starting/ceasing/restarting operations must be submitted to the GACA at least three (3) months before the requested effective start/ceasing/restart of UTM operations.
§ 174.515 Record keeping.
UTM service providers must establish a system of record keeping that allows adequate storage of the
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records and reliable traceability of all their activities, covering in particular all the elements of their management systems and data recordings to support accident/incident reporting and investigations.
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SUBPART G – UAS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SERVICES
§ 174.551 Applicability.
This Subpart applies to UTM Service Providers.
§ 174.553 Mandatory UTM services.
All UAS operations in UTM airspace must be provided with at least the following mandatory UTM services:
(a) Network identification service referred to in § 174.561.
(b) Geo-awareness service referred to in § 174.563.
(c) UAS flight authorisation service referred to in § 174.565.
(d) Traffic information service referred to in § 174.567.
Note – In accordance with § 174.557, the GACA may prescribe additional UTM services for certain UTM airspace based on the operators needs and the expected type and density of operations.
§ 174.555 Authorization of mandatory UTM services.
(a) UTM Service Providers must submit a safety assessment for each of the mandatory UTM services to the GACA.
(b) The safety assessment referred to in (a) must be approved by the GACA.
(c) Authorization of UTM service(s) is listed on the UTM Service Provider certificate issued by GACA under Subpart H of this Part.
§ 174.557 Additional UTM services.
For each UTM airspace, based on the airspace safety risk assessment referred to in § 174.105, GACA may require additional UTM services selected from the services listed below:
(a) Weather information service referred to in § 174.569.
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(b) Conformance monitoring service referred to in § 174.571.
§ 174.559 Acceptance of additional UTM services.
(a) UTM Service Providers must submit a safety risk assessment for each of the additional UTM services to the GACA.
(b) The safety risk assessment referred to in (a) must be acceptable to the GACA.
(c) Acceptance of UTM service(s) is listed on the UTM Service Providers certificate issued by GACA under Subpart H of this Part.
§ 174.561 Network identification service.
(a) A network identification service must allow the continuous processing of the remote identification of the UAS throughout the duration of the flight and must provide the remote identification of the UAS to the authorised users referred to in (d) in an aggregated manner.
(b) The network identification service must allow the authorised users to receive messages with the following content:
(1) the UAS operator registration number.
(2) the unique serial number of the unmanned aircraft or, if the unmanned aircraft is privately built, the unique serial number of the add-on remote identification module.
(3) the geographical position of the UAS, its altitude above mean sea level and its height above the surface or take-off point.
(4) the route course measured clockwise from true north and the ground speed of the UAS.
(5) the geographical position of the remote pilot or, if not available, the take-off point.
(6) the emergency status of the UAS.
(7) the time at which the messages were generated.
(c) The information provided by the network identification services must be updated at a frequency that the GACA has determined.
(d) The authorised users mentioned in point (a) above are the:
(1) UAS operators, including their remote pilots.
(2) other relevant UTM service providers.
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(3) relevant air traffic services providers.
(4) GACA and other relevant competent authorities.
§ 174.563 Geo-awareness service.
(a) A geo-awareness service consisting of the following geo-awareness information must be provided to UAS operators:
(1) information on the applicable operational conditions and airspace constraints within the UTM airspace.
(2) UAS geographical zones, relevant to the UTM airspace.
(3) Temporary restrictions applicable to airspace use within the UTM airspace.
(b) UTM service providers must dispatch the geo-awareness information in a timely manner to allow contingencies and emergencies to be addressed by UAS operators, and must include its time of update together with a version number or a valid time, or both.
§ 174.565 UAS flight authorization service.
(a) The UTM service providers must provide UAS operators with the UAS flight authorisation for each individual flight, setting the terms and conditions of that flight, through a UAS flight authorisation service.
(b) Where UTM service providers receive from the UAS operator a UAS flight authorisation request, they must:
(1) check if UAS flight authorisation request is complete and correct.
(2) check if UAS flight authorisation request is submitted in accordance with § 174.309(b).
(3) accept UAS flight authorisation request if the flight under the UAS flight authorisation is free of intersection in space and time with any other notified UAS flight authorisations within the same UTM airspace in accordance with the priority rules set out in point (h).
(4) notify UAS operator about acceptance or rejection of the UAS flight authorisation request. (5) when notifying UAS operator about the acceptance of the UAS flight authorisation
request, indicate the allowed UAS flight authorisation deviation thresholds.
(c) When issuing a UAS flight authorisation, the UTM service providers must use, where applicable, weather information provided by the weather information service as referred to in § 174.569.
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(d) Where UTM service providers are unable to grant an UAS flight authorisation in accordance with the UAS operator's request, UTM service providers may propose an alternative UAS flight authorisation to the UAS operator.
(e) Upon receiving the request for an UAS flight authorisation activation referred to in § 174.309(c), the UTM service providers must confirm the activation of the UAS flight authorisation without unjustified delay.
(f) UTM service providers must establish proper arrangements to resolve conflicting UAS flight authorisation requests.
(g) UTM service providers must check the request for UAS flight authorisations against UTM airspace restrictions and temporary airspace limitations.
(h) When processing UAS flight authorisation requests, the UTM service providers must give priority to UAS conducting special operations as referred to below:
(1) police and customs missions.
(2) traffic surveillance and pursuit missions.
(3) environmental control missions conducted by, or on behalf of public authorities.
(4) search and rescue.
(5) medical flights.
(6) evacuations.
(7) fire fighting.
(8) exemptions required to ensure the security of flights by high-level functionaries of the KSA.
(i) When two UAS flight authorisations requests have the same priority, they must be processed on a first come first served basis.
(j) UTM service providers must continuously check existing flight authorisations against new airspace restrictions and limitations, and information about manned aircraft traffic shared by relevant air traffic service units, in particular regarding manned aircraft known or believed to be in a state of emergency, including being subjected to unlawful interference, and update or withdraw authorisations as may be necessitated by the circumstances.
(k) UTM service providers must issue a unique authorisation number for each UAS flight authorisation. This number must enable the identification of the authorised flight, the UAS operator and the UTM service provider issuing the UAS flight authorisation.
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
(1) For operations in controlled airspace, the UAS flight authorization service must, in addition to the above:
(1) coordinate with air traffic service providers before issuing authorization;
(2) ensure compatibility with ATC procedures and separation standards;
(3) provide ATC with advance notification of planned operations;
(4) Enable ATC to impose constraints or deny operations for safety reasons.
(m) UTM service providers must not issue or maintain flight authorisations that conflict with temporary airspace restrictions and/or emergency traffic handling.
§ 174.567 Traffic information service.
(a) A traffic information service provided to the UAS operator must contain information on any other conspicuous air traffic, that may be in proximity to the position or intended route of the UAS flight.
(b) The traffic information service must include information about manned aircraft and UAS traffic shared by other UTM service providers and relevant air traffic service units.
(c) The traffic information service must include relevant information about manned aircraft shared by pilots on the Traffic Information Broadcasts by Aircraft (TIBA) frequency.
(d) The traffic information service must provide information about other known air traffic and must:
(1) include the position, time of report, as well as speed, heading or direction and emergency status of aircraft, when known.
(2) support deconfliction of aircraft in UTM airspace.
(3) be updated at a frequency that the GACA has determined.
(e) Upon receiving the traffic information services from the UTM service provider, UAS operators must take the relevant action to avoid any collision hazard.
§ 174.569 Weather information service.
(a) When providing a weather information service, UTM service providers must:
(1) collect weather data, provided by the meteorological service provider certified under GACAR Part 179 (National Center for Meteorology), to maintain safety and support operational decisions of other UTM services.
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
(2) provide the UAS operator with weather forecasts and actual weather information either before or during the flight.
(b) The weather information service must include, as a minimum:
(1) wind direction measured clockwise through true north and speed in knots, including gusts.
(2) height of the lowest broken or overcast layer in hundreds of feet above ground level.
(3) visibility in metres and kilometres.
(4) temperature and dew point.
(5) indicators of convective activity and precipitation.
(6) location and time of the observation, or the valid times and locations of the forecast.
(7) appropriate QNH with geographical location of its applicability.
(c) UTM service providers must disseminate the weather information, that is received from the certified meteorological service provider and is up to date and reliable, to support UAS operations.
§ 174.571 Conformance monitoring service.
(a) A conformance monitoring service must enable the UAS operators to verify whether they comply with the requirements set out in Subpart D of this Part and the terms of the UAS flight authorisation.
(b) The conformance monitoring service must alert the UAS operator when the flight authorisation deviation thresholds are violated and when the requirements in Subpart D of this Part are not complied with.
(c) Where the conformance monitoring service detects a deviation from the flight authorisation, the UTM service provider must alert:
(1) other UAS operators operating in the vicinity of the UAS concerned.
(2) other UTM service providers offering services in the same airspace, if any.
(3) relevant air traffic services units.
(d) The UTM service provider must receive acknowledgements of the alerts referred to in point (c) above.
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GACAR PART 174
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
SUBPART H – CERTIFICATION OF UTM SERVICE PROVIDERS
§ 174.591 Applicability.
This Subpart applies to UTM service providers.
§ 174.593 Application for a certificate.
(a) UTM service providers must apply for a certificate to the GACA.
(b) The certificate must determine the rights and privileges of its holder to provide services to which it relates.
(c) An application for a UTM service provider, or for an amendment to an existing certificate, must be submitted in a form and manner established by the GACA.
§ 174.595 Conditions for a certificate.
(a) UTM service providers must be granted certificates if they demonstrate that they:
(1) are able to provide their services in a safe, secure, efficient, continuous and sustainable manner, consistent with the intended UAS operations and in compliance with the UTM services performance requirements established by the GACA for the UTM airspace.
(2) use systems and equipment that guarantee the data quality, latency and protection of the UTM services in accordance with Appendix A to this Part.
(3) are able to report occurrences in accordance with GACAR Part 4 Occurrence Reporting and Safety Information System.
(4) implement and maintain a management system acceptable to the GACA.
(5) implement and maintain a safety management system in accordance with GACAR Part 5.
(6) implement and maintain a security management system acceptable to the GACA.
(7) retain for a period of, at least 30 days, recorded operational information and data or longer
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
for a duration limit of up to three years, where the recordings are pertinent to accident and incident investigations until it is evident that they will no longer be required.
(8) have a robust business plan indicating that they can meet their actual obligations to provide services in a continuous manner for a period of at least 12 months from the start of operations.
(9) have in place arrangements to cover liabilities related to the execution of their tasks appropriate to the potential loss and damage.
(10) where they avail themselves of services of another service provider, they have the service level agreements concluded to that effect, specifying the allocation of liability between them.
(11) have developed a contingency plan in the case of events, including security breaches impacting the delivery of services, which result in significant degradation or interruption of their operations.
(12) have demonstrated that they are able to comply with the KSA National Cybersecurity rules.
(b) UTM service providers must have an emergency management plan to assist UAS operators experiencing an emergency, including a communication plan to inform those concerned.
§ 174.597 Validity of the certificate.
(a) A UTM service provider certificate issued under this Part is valid for a maximum period of 3 years, provided that during this period the holder of the certificate complies with the relevant requirements set out in all applicable GACARs.
(b) A UTM service provider certificate ceases to be valid if the holder of the certificate has:
(1) not started operations within 6 months after the certificate was issued, or
(2) ceased operations for more than 12 consecutive months.
(c) As a result of oversight of the UTM service provider, the GACA may amend, suspend, limit or
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
revoke the certificate.
(d) The UTM service provider certification is subject to:
(1) Initial certification audit before issuing a certificate.
(2) Surveillance audits at least annually during certificate validity.
(3) Reassessment when significant operational or system changes are introduced.
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GACAR PART 174
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GACAR PART 174 – UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
APPENDIX A – DATA QUALITY AND DATA PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS
§ 174.701 Applicability.
This Appendix applies to UTM service providers.
§ 174.703 Data quality requirements.
UTM service providers must ensure that:
(a) data quality is maintained in terms of accuracy, resolution, integrity, traceability, timeliness, completeness, and format.
(b) verification and validation techniques are employed to ensure that data is received without corruption and that corruption does not occur at any stage of the data process.
(c) the metadata is collected and preserved.
(d) the transfer of data is subject to a suitable authentication process such that recipients are able to confirm that the data or information has been transmitted by an authorised source.
(e) error reporting, error measurement, and corrective action mechanisms are established and maintained.
§ 174.705 Data protection requirements.
With respect to data protection requirements, UTM service providers must comply with the KSA National Cybersecurity rules.
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GACAR PART 174
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