Thought Leadership
Fenix UAS contributes to the development of the drone industry through research, regulatory submissions and policy advocacy. Led by Managing Director Andrew Shelley, our work promotes practical, evidence-based regulation that addresses real-world operational challenges.
Speaking and Media Engagement
Q+A INTERVIEW, 27 APRIL 2025
As part of the Q&A feature on Syos’ export success, Andrew Shelley was interviewed by Whena Owen about concerns around Chinese-made drones and the potential use of larger drones for maritime aerial surveillance.
Recent media coverage
Articles and interviews on Radio New Zealand featuring contributions from Andrew Shelley.
Government relaxes agricultural drone rules amid warnings over safety risks
Government scraps certification requirement for some drone operations
Caution urged with ag aviation rule changes
NZ govt eyes drones to help Pacific nations track illegal fishing (text and audio)
Defence Force to embark on drone shopping spree
Business of Tech: How cheap drones became the defining weapon of modern conflict (text)
Business of Tech: How cheap drones became the defining weapon of modern conflict (podcast)
High-flying drone and rocket builders facing barriers and looking abroad
New Zealand aerospace industry says it is facing too much red tape (audio)
Analysis and Academic Research
Explore Andrew Shelley’s analysis and research on topics related to unmanned aerial systems.
Ground Risk
Andrew has written on the ground risk buffer that should apply to uncrewed multirotor and helicopter aircraft. His paper Ground Risk for Large Multirotor UAVs has informed the approach used for setting the ground risk buffer for UAV operations in New Zealand.
His 2023 research paper considered the relative ground risk of UAV operations over areas of differing population density. His work showed the need to move away from SORA 1.0/2.0 classifications of operation types and focus on UAV size and population density. SORA 2.5 adopts a similar approach to ground risk. His 2016 research on ground risk associated with unmanned aircraft operations is highly cited in the academic literature, forming the foundation for subsequent research.
Ground Risk Model for UAVs
Ground Risk for Large Multirotor UAVs
Ground Risk Buffer for Large Helicopter UAVs
A Model of Human Harm from a Falling Unmanned Aircraft: Implications for UAS Regulation
Privacy, Public Safety and National Security
Andrew’s work examines privacy, drone-related threats, counter-unmanned aircraft systems and the regulatory frameworks needed to address emerging security challenges.
A Counter-Drone Strategy for New Zealand
Quantifying the Cost of Drone-Related Threats in New Zealand
Addressing Security Concerns with Chinese Drones and DJI Products
Drone Registration will not prevent another Gatwick
A Framework for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System Regulation in New Zealand
Proposals to Address Privacy Violations and Surveillance by Unmanned Aerial Systems
Application of New Zealand Privacy Law to Drones
Other Papers and Submissions
Fenix UAS contributes to industry understanding and regulatory development through academic research, consultation responses and formal submissions.
Examining unmanned aircraft user compliance with Civil Aviation Rules: The case of New Zealand
Response to NPRM 25-01 Research & Development Organisations and NPRM 25-02 Advanced Aviation Reform
Submission on the Civil Aviation Bill
Submission in response to the Enabling Drone Integration discussion paper
Submission on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC 2021) Bill
Economic Benefits to New Zealand from Beyond-Line-of-Sight Operation of UAVs
HAVE A QUESTION OR CHALLENGE?
Let’s move the industry forward.
Whether you have a regulatory question, need guidance on a complex operation, or want to discuss an industry issue, our team can help.
