Tendency of Visual Flight Rules Flights in Japan using Flight Plan Data

Abstract

Usage of new means of transportation such as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or new flying vehicles is being actively promoted in both of Japan and overseas. The airspace where such new means of transportation are expected in lower airspace than the airspace passenger airplanes fly. So, a study of new air traffic management schemes targeting the lower airspace has recently occurred. It is important to understand the current utilization of the targeting airspace when considering air traffic management. In order to grasp the lower level airspace utilization in Japan, the flight plan and related information were referred and the trend of VFR flight was analyzed. It is important to note that the flights not being obligated to submit flight plan exist, but the results clarified the statistical values of the flight purpose and flight time of VFR flight in Japan. It will be useful for the future study of air traffic management at low level airspace.