Microdrones’ md4-1000 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) has been deemed as a compliant unmanned air system by Transport Canada (TC).

It claims to be one of only eight companies in the world to have this achievement, which will benefit clients worldwide.

Microdrones' sales manager for Canada Sebastien Long said: "This approval from 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."

For earning compliance, Microdrones had to submit a variety of materials, including manuals on flight, maintenance, and systems design.

Microdrones flight operations manager Jocelyne Bois said: "Users who choose a compliant UAV, like the Microdrones md4-1000, will be able to apply for a Compliant Operator Certificate from TC that comes with important benefits."

"This compliance means that our platform meets a certain level of safety and will provide users with the opportunity to become a TC-compliant organisation."

Operators that are considered to be compliant by TC may be given greater geographic flexibility such as flying in restricted areas, closer to airports or cities, and beyond the visual line of sight.

The firms may also stand to benefit from extended validity, streamlined renewal, and priority processing of Special Flight Operations Certificates (SFOC).

Long added: "This compliance means that our platform meets a certain level of safety and will provide users with the opportunity to become a TC-compliant organisation, gaining access to all the related advantages.

"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 developed commercial quadcopter and mdMapper solutions for aerial surveying and mapping.

mdMapper packages offer complete solutions including aircraft, sensors, and software.

The two mdMapper solutions included in the md4-1000 are mdMapper1000 and mdMapper1000DG.

The mdMapper1000 mapping system is ideal for applications such as surveying, mapping, inspection and construction, especially for long flight times and harsh environmental conditions.

The mdMapper1000DG has the benefits of mdMapper1000, in addition to direct georeferencing that enable accuracy and time savings with no ground control points.

Image: The Microdrones team in Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada. Photo: courtesy of Microdrones.