New Zealand’s AirShare web application has introduced several significant upgrades designed to enhance flexibility and accessibility for drone operators. A key new feature allows pilots to extend an active flight by up to 30 minutes, even after the original scheduled end time has passed. This functionality enables smoother operations by permitting missions that run longer than anticipated to continue safely without the need to submit a new flight request. However, this extension is not permitted if a landing or termination request is already underway, for Part 101 operators when it would extend past daylight hours, or under certain other conditions. Currently, this feature is exclusive to the AirShare web platform, with a corresponding mobile app update anticipated in the coming weeks.
Upon reaching the updated flight end time, the system will automatically send a Terminate SMS to the pilot if the flight has not been manually closed. In addition to flight extensions, AirShare now offers pilots a choice between WhatsApp or SMS for receiving notifications and verifying their accounts. This update particularly benefits users without a New Zealand or Australian mobile number, simplifying the process of staying connected and compliant.
Further web app improvements include the ability to manually enter flight height, access to the VHF radio contact button across all operational areas, and new flight type selections (VLOS, EVLOS, BVLOS) for operators under Part 102 rules. A revised flight purpose list has also been implemented, providing greater precision in logging operational intent.
