Frequently Asked Questions

The term RAST stands for Regional, the location where the research will be conducted, Advanced

Air Mobility, is the electric aviation technology, Surrogate refers to the fact that the craft is

uncrewed, and Trials refers to the research. The RAST research will be a series of drone flights

conducted from Latrobe Regional Airport. Prior to the research being conducted there will be

information workshops and community events where you can learn about the research and see and

touch the drone.

There is a need to move to a zero-emission economy and de-carbonise transport and logistics. The

RAST trials aim to assess how future AAM platforms can be integrated into the existing air traffic

control systems in Latrobe City.

AAM is expected to simplify logistics, reduce transit times, and reduce heavy vehicle usage of local

roads amongst other things. This research will help inform us how to maximise the benefits to local

communities while minimising impact to other airspace users.

The community engagement workshops and events will be facilitated by the Collaborative

Evaluation &Research Group (CERG) from Federation University and hosted by Latrobe City Council.

The RAST research drone flight tests and trials will be conducted by Textron Systems Australia in

partnership with Swinburne AIR Hub researchers.

The RAST research involves multiple drone flights with flight paths around Latrobe City. The flight paths are generally over unpopulated areas, with only brief transits over built-up areas, and will be

conducted during business hours. Flights will be subject to high regulatory safety standards overseen

by CASA. Each trial flight will last up to 4 hours and will occur in the month of February 2024.

It is anticipated that apart from perhaps seeing the drone flying overhead, you will not be affected

by the research. The drone sounds just like a lawn mower which you may hear for approximately 5

seconds. It travels at around 80km/hr flying at several hundred metres above the ground. The drone

will be in the air for no longer than 40 minutes during business hours per day. Past operations in

commercial areas have shown the drone to be less intrusive than light aircraft or helicopters.

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is the term used to describe electric aviation technologies with low

emissions impact on the environment. AAM is being applied to a variety of commercial industries

such as the transportation of medications to people in remote communities.

RAST research Swinburne AIR Hub website: https://advancedairmobility.com.au/

Latrobe City Council webpage:

https://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/City/The_Region/Latrobe_Regional_Airport/Latrobe_Aerospace_Technology_Precinct

Collaborative Evaluation & Research Group (CERG) at Federation University:

https://federation.edu.au/research/research-centres/cerg

Email address: CERGroup@federation.edu.au

Phone: 51 226400 for RAST trial enquiries