Airspace Link Enables Safe & Secure Skies for Pilots and Communities
May 28, 2024 | Dawn Zoldi
Airspace Link is at the forefront of ensuring safety and security in the skies for drone pilots and communities alike. In this interview with Michael Healander, the Co-Founder, President & CEO of Airspace Link, a visionary leader with over 15 years of experience in driving growth within the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and geospatial industry, we discuss how Airspace Link has revolutionized how drones operate within our airspace for a wide range of stakeholders. By offering essential services through its digital platform AirHub® Portal, such as B4UFLY and Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), as well as tailored solutions such as the locally- focused FlySafe Program, Airspace Link empowers pilots, cities and communities to confidently embrace drone technology and scale their programs. Read on to learn more.
Dawn Zoldi: Michael, can you tell us how your background lends itself to leading Airspace Link?
Michael Healander: Sure. I’ve been in this industry for over six years now, which may not sound like a long time, but it’s been quite a journey. My background, along with my co-founders and many others at Airspace Link, revolves around solving complex problems using geospatial technology. We’ve worked with experts in various industries to identify and address challenges. When it comes to integrating drones into the national airspace and communities, we recognized the significant geospatial issues involved. This includes managing UTM (Uncrewed Aircraft System Traffic Management), ensuring recreational pilots fly safely and legally, navigating the Part 107 rule waiver process, implementing safety systems and more. Over the past two decades, we’ve tackled similar challenges, such as developing the indoor routing and positioning system used in the Delta airlines app that you may have used in airports worldwide. Our expertise lies in applying geospatial solutions to rules, regulations, and government technology (govtech), particularly within the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) industry. That’s the DNA and background of Airspace Link – leveraging our experience to help solve complex problems in this rapidly evolving field.
Dawn Zoldi: Airspace Link moved headquarters since we last spoke. Where are you located now?
Michael Healander: We recently moved our headquarters to the Book Depository, part of the overall mobility campus at Michigan Central in Downtown Detroit. This location serves as a Mobility Hub for both ground and air systems. Being one of the first companies to move in, we’re excited about the opportunities it presents. Detroit, known primarily for automotive, offers us a chance to diversify. We occupy the top floor of the building, where we’ve built out our office space, including an Operations Center and other capabilities. Additionally, we’re constructing drone ports on the roof. While we don’t manufacture or operate drones, we specialize in developing systems for their operation. This location also serves as a testing site for new technologies and innovations in the drone industry.
Dawn Zoldi: Can you describe some of the features of Airspace Link’s office and what makes it one of the top companies to work for?
Michael Healander: Absolutely. Our commitment to fostering a great workplace culture has been recognized with multiple awards, particularly for diversity, equity and inclusion. We’ve also received accolades for our leadership team’s makeup and our employee benefits. Our office space reflects our commitment to our positive work environment. Our space is not only functional but also reflects our company’s culture of innovation, teamwork and fun. We have an Operations Center equipped with four screens and speaker systems, where we monitor various data sets, including weather and our AirHub® Portal. We incorporate fun elements into our workspace, such as drone racing through the office using hula hoops. We also have Murph, our adorable office dog, who adds to our welcoming atmosphere. We have a Wall of Fame that adorns our areas and highlights international projects, such as those in Dubai, to showcase our global reach and impact. Of course, we also have drones hanging around, like the Zing package delivery system, which we use for testing small operations around the building, including food delivery. Last, but not least, we have a designated bar area in our office, which is kept under lock and key, and used for special occasions. Our office space is not only functional but also reflects our company’s culture of innovation, teamwork, and fun. From our humble beginnings with just three people, we’ve grown to nearly 60 employees. Our head of people operations has played a crucial role in building our company into what it is today.
Dawn Zoldi: So how do you use that rooftop drone port on your building?
Michael Healander: Right now, Airspace Link is gearing up for real-world operations involving drone deliveries flying off our rooftop drone ports. About four months ago, we announced our plans and have since been diligently building out the necessary infrastructure. In what we refer to as Phase Zero, we identified the required hardware components, such as infrastructure, radio communication networks, radar and ADS-B systems. The state of Michigan, along with Michigan Central, is making significant investments in this endeavor, amounting to millions of dollars. Our proposal involves utilizing a three-mile radius around our office, which encompasses various businesses eager to leverage drones for a multitude of purposes. Use cases we will support with this effort include first responder support, linear inspection, food and medical delivery, as well as shielded operations, among others. Airspace Link is pivotal in this endeavor. We provide the software systems that serve as the glue, connecting policy, laws, regulations and safety systems.
Dawn Zoldi: How would you characterize this effort? Is it a research and development (R&D) or test and evaluation (T&E) project?
Michael Healander: What we’re embarking on here at is not merely a testing ground; it’s an operational evaluation, a significant step towards commercialization. Its essence lies in facilitating real-world commercial operations. We’ve transitioned beyond R&D and instead focusing instead on practical, everyday applications of drone technology. We’re actively engaging with a diverse range of customers who are eager to explore the possibilities of drone delivery. While I can’t disclose specific details about our clients, rest assured that we’re diligently matching operators and OEMs with the right customers.
Dawn Zoldi: What is your goal with this Michigan project?
Michael Healander: Ultimately, our goal is to foster a thriving ecosystem where operators, OEMs and customers can collaborate and innovate together. By facilitating real-world operations, we’re not only advancing the drone industry but also paving the way for a future where drones play a vital role in everyday life. So, if you’re ready to be part of this groundbreaking initiative, we encourage you to reach out and join us on this journey towards revolutionizing the way goods are delivered.
Dawn Zoldi: How can companies plug into these efforts with Airspace Link?
Michael Healander: For those interested in getting involved, there are several avenues to explore. We’re actively seeking operators who are ready to take their operations to the next level in a commercial environment. Whether you’re an experienced operator or just starting out, there’s an opportunity to participate in this exciting venture. Additionally, OEMs looking to showcase their technology and solutions in real-world scenarios are welcome to join us. We’re committed to providing the necessary funding, infrastructure and support systems to ensure the success of our partners.
Dawn Zoldi: What are the timelines and milestones for these Michigan drone operations?
Michael Healander: Over the next two years, our focus will be on getting operators up and running safely within this environment. This entails providing visual observers on rooftops, allocating space for operations alongside customers, assisting in obtaining waivers and constructing safety cases. Our dedicated teams include hardware, software, and OEM specialists. They continue working tirelessly to build out this ecosystem. Once we secure the required FAA waivers with our customers, our operations will eventually expand beyond the initial three-mile radius. The state has earmarked additional funding for further development, as part of this collaboration.
Dawn Zoldi: Are you operating similarly in other states?
Michael Healander: Absolutely. As multiple states, including Texas, embark on similar initiatives, there’s a collective effort to streamline and enhance advanced drone operations. We’re at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and safety measures are in place to facilitate the seamless integration of drones into our airspace.
Dawn Zoldi: AirHub® Portal is the digital backbone of these various projects. Tell us about it.
Michael Healander: AirHub® Portal is our comprehensive digital infrastructure platform designed to streamline and optimize drone operations. It represents the culmination of our learnings and experiences from previous products, which we’ve consolidated into a more robust and unified solution. As our company evolved, we recognized the need to provide our users with a centralized hub for managing their drone activities efficiently. It caters to the diverse needs of operators at different levels, from recreational hobbyists, commercial operators and enterprise clients. It meets the specific requirements of each by providing a versatile suite of tools and features for planning flights, obtaining authorizations, managing airspace and much more .In essence, AirHub® Portal is not just a product; it’s a platform that reflects our commitment to empowering drone operators and enabling the seamless integration of drones into our airspace.
Dawn Zolid: How does AirHub ®Portal assist recreational pilots?
Michael Healander: AirHub® Portal provides recreational drone pilots with essential information on where they are permitted to fly, ensuring compliance with regulations. Airspace Link is an FAA B4UFly provider for this purpose. Additionally, our system supports before-flight checks, integrating functionalities like remote ID to enhance safety and accountability. We provide this free to them.
Dawn Zoldi: How can authorized commercial operators leverage AirHub® Portal?
Michael Healander: Often, commercial operators have to obtain authorization to fly in controlled airspace. AirHub® Portal facilitates this process by providing a user-friendly interface for requesting and managing LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) authorizations. Depending on the specific needs of customers, we can also offer customization options, such as integrating with sensor companies’ data through our marketplace.
Dawn Zoldi: How can managers of enterprise solutions use it?
Michael Healander: Enterprise-level operators require more advanced tools for managing a portfolio of drones and operators. AirHub® Portal offers comprehensive portfolio management features, allowing managers to oversee multiple operations efficiently. Our platform serves as a centralized hub for planning, monitoring and optimizing drone activities across an organization.
Dawn Zoldi: Do you have special features for planners and administrators?
Michael Healander: Yes. Planners everage AirHub® Portal for strategic planning and coordination of drone operations. This includes airspace management, Air Traffic Control planning and integration with larger infrastructure systems. Planners play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless integration of drones into existing airspace and operational frameworks.
Administrators are responsible for overseeing and managing the deployment of AirHub® Portal within their organization. They have access to administrative tools for configuring policies, enforcing compliance and administering user access across their portfolio of operations. By offering a versatile platform that caters to users with diverse needs and skill levels, AirHub® Portal empowers individuals and organizations to leverage drone technology effectively.
Dawn Zoldi: How do you enable AirHub® Portal to keep up with the dynamic changes in the drone industry, the environment in which drones operate and the specific needs of these various customers?
Michael Healander: One of the key aspects of AirHub® Portal is its progressive web application architecture. This enables us to scale changes seamlessly across all platforms. With the constant influx of user feedback and the dynamic nature of our industry, we strive to deliver updates and improvements on a daily basis. This architecture change has allowed us to maintain agility and responsiveness, ensuring that our platform remains at the forefront of innovation. Through these continuous iterations and enhancements, we provide our users with the up-to-date information they need to navigate the complexities of drone operations efficiently and safely.
Dawn Zoldi: Airspace Link also created a special program just for government users called the FlySafe Program. Tell us about that.
Michael Healander: The FlySafe Program is our tailored solution for local governments seeking to establish and manage drone programs effectively. This comprehensive program combines our AirHub® Portal software with dedicated customer support to guide communities through every step of the process. AirHub®Portal is the heart of this program. However, unlike standard offerings, the FlySafe Program customizes AirHub® Portal to meet the unique needs and requirements of local governments. This includes implementing policies and procedures specific to each community to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and address concerns related to privacy and safety. But the FlySafe Program is more than just software. We assign a dedicated customer success person to each participating community to serve as their primary point of contact and guide them throughout their drone program journey. This individual provides personalized support, training and assistance to help local governments navigate the complexities of drone operations with confidence and ease. By combining cutting-edge technology with personalized support, the FlySafe Program empowers local governments to harness the potential of drones while mitigating risks and ensuring compliance. Whether it’s implementing privacy policies, registering drones, obtaining licenses or developing emergency response protocols, we’re committed to supporting communities every step of the way. With the FlySafe Program, we help local governments embrace drone technology with confidence, because they have Airspace Link as a trusted partner by their side.
Dawn Zoldi: How many communities are using FlySafe?
Michael Healander: We’re currently onboarding over 20 cities per quarter onto the FlySafe program. While this number may not sound significant at first glance, each of these communities represents a substantial license and program. What’s interesting is the diversity among these cities in terms of their drone operations. Some may have only one drone and no drone pilots yet, while others are exploring ambitious projects like package delivery. Engaging with communities from different starting points allows us to address a wide range of needs and challenges. For those with limited drone experience, we guide them through the process of establishing safe and compliant drone operations, with necessary infrastructure and protocols in place, from the ground up and right from the start. On the other hand, we also work with cities that already have existing drone programs but lack proper management systems. In these cases, our platform helps streamline operations, implement fleet management solutions and enhance safety protocols. By providing a structured framework, we help communities avoid the pitfalls of disjointed drone operations and set them on a path towards sustainable growth and innovation.
Dawn Zoldi: Can you provide a few success stories relating to your FlySafe program?
Michael Healander: Sure. The partnership between Airspace Link and the City of Ontario, California serves as a prime example of the success of the FlySafe Program. When the collaboration began four years ago, the City of Ontario embraced our software at the beginning of creating their drone program and it played a pivotal role in Ontario’s transformation into a drone-friendly community. By providing a tailored software package and a structured process, the program guided Ontario through every stage of its drone program development. From navigating regulatory complexities to implementing fleet management systems, the FlySafe Program streamlined the city’s drone operations and enhanced accountability. Today, Ontario has over 60 pilots and more than 30 drones and has established itself as a thriving hub for drone operations, both internally and externally.
I would also point to our partnership with the City of Carson, located in California, as a great example of the collaborative approach of the FlySafe program in action. When the city expressed interest in acquiring AirHub® Portal, the conversation naturally turned to the need for a comprehensive policy framework to govern drone operations within their jurisdiction. Over the course of three months, we embarked on a collaborative effort involving city officials, legal experts and FAA representatives to craft a tailored policy framework for Carson. The resulting policy not only addressed operational considerations but also delved into crucial issues such as privacy protection and data management. By integrating these policies directly into AirHub® Portal, we ensured that drone operators in Carson would operate within the parameters of both federal regulations and local ordinances. Our partnership with the City of Carson serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the FlySafe Program in facilitating collaborative policy development and promoting responsible drone use at the local level.
Dawn Zoldi: So, what’s the closest-in target for Airspace Link?
Michael Healander: The next big step for Airspace Link is the development of the Michigan Central and Detroit Air project. This initiative presents an exciting opportunity for operators, OEMs and sensor system providers to participate in the burgeoning drone ecosystem. With budgets approved and construction underway, the project aims to establish a 14th-floor Air Traffic Control tower that will serve as a central hub for drone operations. Scheduled for a grand opening on June 6th, this facility will offer operators a unique vantage point, allowing them to oversee operations within a six-mile radius and access an Operation Center equipped with cutting-edge sensor systems. Analogous to the bustling drone corridors of New York or North Dakota, this project signifies Detroit’s equivalent on a grand scale. However, what sets it apart is its tailored approach to meet the diverse needs of operators. Through extensive interviews with operators, Airspace Link is customizing the infrastructure to provide a supportive environment tailored to their unique requirements. This initiative involves multiple teams, each dedicated to different aspects, including hardware, communication networks, software and data management, public relations, government liaison, community engagement and business development. With real customers facing real-world challenges, the emphasis is on delivering tangible solutions that address real-world problems. Airspace Link’s approach involves pairing operators with customers, providing comprehensive support and scaling operations.
Dawn Zoldi: What are the top three things we can expect from Airspace Link over the next year and into the future?
Michael Healander: First, we will continue our dedicated effort to enhance our foundational system, AirHub® Portal. With a staggering influx of 300 new users per day, the team is focused on supporting operations and migrations for the next eight months. Second, we’re placing a significant emphasis on supporting customers with advanced operations, particularly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) waivers, telemetry integration and UTM. This effort involves heavy-lift projects in states like Michigan, Texas, North Dakota and others. Lastly, partnerships will continue to play a pivotal role in Airspace Link’s strategy. We have established a Marketplace to facilitate collaborations. These partnerships not only add value to customers but also enhance the overall ecosystem by providing specialized solutions. Whether it’s partnering with companies like AlarisPro for fleet management or collaborating with others for deeper aviation-grade insights, Airspace Link remains very open to fostering mutually beneficial relationships.
Dawn Zoldi: How can folks reach you?
Michael Healander: To connect with Airspace Link, LinkedIn is a great platform, or you can reach out via email at michael.healander@airspacelink.com. Additionally, inquiries can be directed to hello@airspacelink.com or through our website.
Watch Michael Healander on the Dawn of Autonomy podcast here.
