from
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eBee becomes Canada’s first compliant fixed-wing drone
07/21/2015
Mapping UAV’s new designation will help Canadian operators to boost their businesses.
The senseFly eBee has become the first fixed-wing system to be designated a ‘compliant small UAV’ by Transport Canada—a distinction that moves organisations that use this drone a critical step closer to achieving Compliant Operator status.
Canadian companies that employ drones for civilian applications must hold a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC), unless qualifying for an exemption. An SFOC typically features an approved term of just one year and applies to a specific region.
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Replies
If anyone is curious, Flitelab has a reference to Transport Canada's webpage and gives an overview of what a compliant UAV entails.
Would really love to see a way for average operators of APM be able to meet these requirements, but I suspect it will only be in reach of the bigger uav system manufacturer's, such as Sensefly and probably Precision Hawk and INGRobotics soon too.
I can see serious operators having to have at least one or two compliant UAVs on hand to be able to fly almost anything quickly, and specialized homebrew systems to fly the less normal tasks, but with a longer and more difficult SFOC process.
This company HighEye also has TC exemptions for southern Ontario.
Ok,
manufacturer of drones vs. service company operating 2 drones
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from their webpage:
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About High Eye Aerial Imaging Inc.
What we do - Aerial Photography and Video Services
High Eye Aerial Imaging Inc specializes in low altitude, high definition aerial imaging services, including aerial photography and aerial videography. We operate TWO state of the art Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems: A multi rotor VTOL system for video and HD photography, and a fixed wing, long endurance UAV for larger mapping and surveying projects.
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Because many of us put our systems together from scratch we won't be able to get certification. Mass producers should be able to do it. It really requires a well written manual and repair procedures, most of which will be; "Replace with manufacturer's original equipment only. The component must be received in the original manufacturer packaging in order to be compliant." So no propeller switching, camera mounts must be of the approved type. Also they will have to give some parts lifetime limits just like regular certified aircraft. It's a great way to secure parts demand. Now I wonder if you could get AOG status for shipments?
Hi Greg
Nothing in the TC standard prevents the average Joe from making a good aircraft and testing it and then producing the documentation, it does not need to be extensive just accurate. As long as the tests you do are repeatable and the parts you use are from reputable supplies then go for it. the sensefly is just a piece of foam and is no different to an X5 in construction, it has a standard motor, servos, radio , battery etc . sensefly dont make them or the props or hinges.
Its a lot of work writing the manuals and instructions but you only do it once and if you plan it carefully then one manual becomes the base for any other aircraft you build.
it will put you product in an advantageous position if you sell them to others.
You are not correct.
Everything in the TC standards prevents the average Joe from making SFOC compliant aircraft or drone.
To certify a type/ model you need to spend +$1M on design, development, testing, legislation, documentation, legal work, paper work and it takes up to 2 years, so your business must be sound to fund the above procedures and to employ staff fully engaged in certification of your drone under TV standards.
Standards are exactly set to prevent the average Joes to compete with corporations.
Implementing Voice Controlled Drone I am sure to never get it certified under SFOC standards since Natural Language Processing technologies just emerge into professional markets.
@ Darius
Sorry but I do not agree, There is nothing to stop you, me or anyone else doing this. The requirements for testing take time and money in that same way as any product requires.
Some small companies and individuals are already doing this, they are not going to spend 1M$+ to do it on a vehicle that may have a 2 yr life before it is updated with something bigger and faster. They are also going to take the time to determine which of there products they are going to make compliant first.
The "manuals " and "test lists " etc do not need to be telephone books and a year to produce. they need to be concise and accurate.
I routinely produce manuals and other technical safety certification documentation for "high risk" people carrying machinery to TC, ASTM and other worldwide standards, 2-3 months is considered "normal" for a new product.
If you want to do this with a voice controlled drone then yes, I agree you are on a loser as this is a very difficult concept to test, prove and validate but in this case it is not the drone that is the problem, it is the voice control system. now you are into new uncharted territory. good luck.
Regarding standards.
The defined purpose of a standard is not to prevent people from complying. it never has been .
The "Standard" is provided to inform you of the requirements needed (by TC) to meet the standard and to ensure that a level playing field is provided for the benefit of the consumer. it does not define what or how you do it , just what the results are.
as an example a 1/4inch -20 nut /bolt has a ASTM and CSA standard in terms of size, thread shape, diameters etc, if you want to make a bolt to this standard then go ahead, they dont care if you use a machine, a lathe, a tap and die of a rod and a file, that is YOUR choice, the standard did not change, the customer wants the same bolt.
Standards are GOOD and we all expect them. DIY drones has been pressing for FAA standards for years.
I also think it just takes sometime to write up manuals to be compliant. Addressing all the maintenance issues you expect. Many of them will be remove and replace because you're not about to do a repair to a broken landing gear tube. Giving bearings a life limit and a scheduled inspection for condition. What to inspect after a prop strike and what do you replace, ie prop bolts. Electrical load limits and a proper wiring diagram. If it is a fixed wing you need to outline structural repairs such as leading edge repair or acceptable damage.
The list goes on, but if you've ever been involved in the maintenance of an aircraft you will have a good idea already what is required. Most stuff on a light UAV will be replace with original manufacturer's equipment.
So it is a big task the first time around and be prepared for a lot of back and forth. So you have to decide is it worth your time or do you want to be out flying.
Color coded wires aren't allowed on full size aircraft due to the possible error of a colorblind person hooking something up wrong. So wires are labeled, I still remember opening up a 172 and seeing the wires with the burnt in labels; GREEN, RED, WHITE....... :-)
Totally correct and also to be reasonable no-one is going to describe changing motor bearing or servicing a servo, for a compliant aircraft these all become replace after xxhrs or a crash.
Yes, I would on those motors but then I'd be prepared to do the extra documentation to go with that..... For most of the lets call them "basic motors" I would replace the motor or recondition it and even that could be covered by a small document.
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since your last reply has no-reply status
I have C&P it above to respond.
I love paperwork ;)
All paperwork can be done wireless on-line via forms available on the Internet, parts can be QR coded as in motor industry
and certification of any special QR Coded drone can be managed on-line, exactly as in case of Golf Courses and Virtual Golf Clubs.
Could you act as Paperwork Manager to let us develop SFOC compliant drones ?
All we need a number of general templates to get used to work with SFOC papers on-line.
I manage QR Codes Global Consortium so can provide standards on QR Code encoding and QR Code printer, QR Code apps and more.
Implementing QR Code labels in RC drone parts industry should succeed.
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