Conflict resolution

When two or more operators plan to fly in the same area at the same time, DroneClearance automatically detects the overlap and opens a conflict thread so operators can coordinate directly.

How Conflicts Are Detected

DroneClearance checks every new or updated flight request against all other pending and approved requests on the same date. A conflict is flagged when two requests overlap in both time and area. There is no conflict if the flights are at different times or in different locations.

The system distinguishes between two types of overlap:

• Full overlap — one flight's time window falls entirely within the other's
• Partial overlap — the time windows only partially intersect

What Happens When a Conflict Is Found

Both operators are notified immediately. DroneClearance creates a conflict thread — a shared space where the involved operators can view each other's flight details and work towards a resolution. You can find your open conflicts in the My Conflicts section of your dashboard.

Each conflict thread shows:

• A status badge — Open (needs attention) or Resolved
• The other operator's name and company
• The flight date
• An Action needed indicator if the other operator has sent you a proposal, or Awaiting response if you have sent one

Viewing Conflict Details

When you open a conflict thread, you will see:

• Flight cards for every request involved, showing date, time, altitude, aircraft, and pilot information. Your flight is highlighted separately from the other operator's.
• An interactive map displaying all flight areas. Your area is shown in blue and is editable — you can drag or redraw it directly on the map. The other operator's area is shown in a different colour and is read‑only. A live indicator tells you whether the areas still overlap.
• A conversation panel for direct messaging with the other operator.

Resolving a Conflict

There are several ways to resolve a conflict:

Propose new timing or area

Use the Propose Changes form to suggest a different date, start time, or end time for your flight. If you also adjusted your flight area on the map, those changes are included automatically. You can add an optional message to explain your proposal.

Once you send a proposal, the other operator will see an Action needed badge on their dashboard and can accept or decline it.

Accept or decline a proposal

When the other operator sends you a proposal, you will be notified and can review it from the conflict thread. You can accept the proposed changes or decline and counter with your own suggestion.

Send a message

Use the conversation panel at the bottom of the conflict thread to discuss alternatives with the other operator. Messages update in real time.

Cancel your flight

If coordination is not possible or the flight is no longer needed, you can cancel your flight request directly from the conflict thread. Cancelling removes your request from all associated conflicts and, if no other overlapping requests remain, the conflict is automatically resolved.

Modify your flight so it no longer overlaps

If you update your flight request (through the normal editing flow) so that the time or area no longer overlaps with the other request, DroneClearance will automatically detect the change and resolve the conflict. Both operators are notified.

Automatic Resolution

DroneClearance resolves conflicts automatically in the following situations:

• An operator cancels their flight request
• A flight request is updated so the time or area no longer overlaps
• All remaining members of a conflict thread no longer overlap with each other

When a conflict is resolved, all involved operators receive a notification and the thread is marked as Resolved. If a previously resolved conflict reappears (for example, after a flight request is edited back into an overlapping state), the thread is reopened and operators are notified again.

Multi‑Party Conflicts

If three or more flight requests overlap in the same time and area, they are grouped into a single conflict thread. A new request only joins an existing thread if it conflicts with every member already in that thread. Otherwise, a separate thread is created.

When any participant resolves their part of the conflict (by adjusting their flight or cancelling), they are removed from the thread. If fewer than two requests remain, the thread is resolved automatically.