Transport Canada Adds Microdrones to List of Compliant Systems

Canadian drone company Microdrones has announced that their md4-1000 drone has been added to Transport Canada’s list of Compliant Unmanned Air Systems.

“This approval from Transport Canada (TC) for our md4-1000 drone has great meaning for users everywhere. A compliance certificate from TC implies a certain level of safety and quality,” said Sebastien Long, Microdrones’ Sales Manager for Canada. “We are proud to have achieved compliance and it is especially meaningful that it was granted by Transport Canada.”

Achieving compliance is significant for Microdrones’ customers, who may now apply for a Compliant Operator Certificate from Transport Canada.  The Compliant Operator Certificate may allow greater flexibility for flight in restricted areas or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS.)  The Certificate streamlines other application processes like Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOC) and renewals.

“To earn compliance, Microdrones was required to submit a variety of application materials, including flight, maintenance, and systems design manuals,” says a company announcement.

 

“This compliance means that our platform meets a certain level of safety and will provide users with the opportunity to become a TC-compliant organization, gaining access to all the related advantages,” said Long. “Our certificate shows that we are in the highest class and adds another item to the long list of reasons surveying and mapping professionals should choose Microdrones UAS.”

Microdrones is a provider of commercial quadcopters designed for aerial surveying and mapping. The company’s offerings include mdMapper packages; complete solutions that include aircraft, sensors, and software.  Microdrones is one of only 8 companies to have achieved the certification.

Canada recently tightened drone regulations, enacting an interim rule that severely restricted recreational drone use.   Commercial regulations continue to develop, however, and Canada has recently begun successfully testing BVLOS flight applications like drone delivery.  The Compliant Unmanned Aircraft Systems list may allow some operators to navigate regulations more quickly – and prove a significant advantage for the drone manufacturers on the list.