Commercial, Unmanned

Canadian Firm Tests Drone Delivery in Class E Airspace

By S.L. Fuller | November 20, 2017
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In September 2016, the company achieved payload pickup and drop-off capabilities utilizing its semi-autonomous autopilot system. Photo courtesy of Drone Delivery Canada.

In 2016, Drone Delivery Canada achieved payload pickup and drop-off capabilities utilizing its semi-autonomous autopilot system. Photo courtesy of Drone Delivery Canada

Drone Delivery Canada tested its service with Transport Canada approval in airspace that hosts “hundreds of daily helicopter and aircraft flights,” the company said. Autonomous delivery was tested in the Moose Factory and Moosonee communities in Ontario.

The series of flights comprised distances of up to 1.3 miles, all in line of sight. Flights were coordinated with NAV Canada and Timmins Flight Service Station and operated VFR. Since the tests took place in northern Canada, the drones had to navigate strong winds, snow and cold temperatures. Transport Canada approved operations in Class E airspace. Drone Delivery Canada said it “seamlessly integrated into this busy airspace.”

“We are extremely pleased with our test flights in the Moose Factory and Moosonee communities,” said Tony Di Benedetto, CEO of Drone Delivery Canada. “Our technology has shown positive results through these initial flights to be a viable infrastructure solution for Canada’s North to help increase access and reduce logistics costs.”

Drone Delivery Canada plans to continue testing and development efforts under the guidance of Transport Canada. Future flights would occur throughout Canada.

In September 2016, the company achieved payload pickup and drop-off capabilities utilizing its semi-autonomous autopilot system. The autopilot enables automated take off, landings, waypoint navigation and pre-programmed maneuvers.

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