CHANDLER, Ariz. — 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 and an assisted living facility.
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.
About the City of Chandler, Ariz.:
Chandler, Arizona has built a reputation as a Community of Innovation. Life in Chandler goes beyond a thriving and dynamic business community with progressive entrepreneurship. Known for its rich diversity, the City offers an outstanding quality of life for all generations with great schools and recreational opportunities. Chandler has grown to become the state's fourth largest City with a population of more than 285,000. Chandler has been named one of the nation's Best Places to Find a Job and Best Cities for Women in Tech. The City also is one of the safest communities in the nation and boasts AAA bond ratings from all three national rating agencies, one of only 40 communities to achieve this distinction. For more information, visit the City website, or connect with Chandler on social media.
About Airspace Link:
Airspace Link's vision is to create a world where the safe integration of drones fuels human progress, advancing social equity, the environment, and the economy. Founded in Detroit in 2018 by CEO Michael Healander, Airspace Link is one of the few FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers of the Low Altitude Authorization & Notification Capability (LAANC). Airspace Link's cloud-based platform, AirHub®, provides the digital infrastructure required to support the safe use of recreational and commercial drone use in communities at scale, supporting the growth of drone operations, drone service providers, drone manufacturers, package delivery, and air taxi deployment in the future. Learn more at Airspace Link.
About MAG:
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) provides a forum for local governments working together on issues that affect the lives of everyone in the greater Phoenix region. MAG is a regional agency that conducts planning and makes policy decisions in a number of core areas. These include safe and smart travel, the economy and growth, environment and sustainability, and improving quality of life, with a focus on efficient and effective operations. MAG’s members include 27 cities and towns, 3 Native nations, Maricopa County, portions of Pinal County, and the Arizona Department of Transportation. MAG’s planning area encompasses about 10,600 square miles.
Media contacts:
Stephanie Romero
City of Chandler
Public Information Officer
480-782-2231
Casie Ocaña
Airspace Link
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
Kelly Taft
Maricopa Association of Governments
Communication Director
602-452-5020 direct