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Calgary-based drone operator In-Flight Data said Canada has authorized it to operate drone swarms beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) for fighting wildfires.
This national authorization allows for simultaneous drone operations up to 2,500 feet high, in Class F and Class G airspace, day or night, the company said.
“This new, first-of-its-kind, permission ushers in a new era in remote aviation for fighting the wildfires that have ravaged Canada and North America,” the company said in a statement.
“In-Flight Data can now fly new wildfire missions not previously permitted under the waiver. This means vastly more efficient data collection with richer data sets for targeting the fire.”
Simultaneous drone operations (SIMOPS) is a specific type of advanced drone operation, where an advanced pilot is able to control multiple aircraft from a single control station. Transport Canada is focused on developing aviation regulations for low-risk BVLOS operations in Canada.
To make BVLOS operations safe, scalable and sustainable, the regulator charted a path toward standard low-risk BVLOS regulations earlier this year. The proposed regulations are currently in the public comment phase.
“These technologies, such as remote traffic management and SIMOPS, mark a new type of innovation and efficiency in aviation in Canada,” said In-Flight Data in a statement.
This press release was prepared and distributed by In-Flight Data.
