NAV Canada marks one year of the launch of its Drone app

OTTAWA — In 2020, NAV CANADA entered into an agreement with Unifly, a strategic technology partner in the deployment of a national system to provide digital services for safely operating and managing drones in Canadian airspace. And in June 2021, exactly one year ago, a central component of that system was launched: the NAV Drone app.

As of June 2, the NAV Drone app has more than 20,000 users registered. The application has benefited the broader aviation system, as it reduces the risk of accidental incursions by Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) operators through increased situational awareness for pilots and air traffic services personnel.

“The NAV Drone system is a key component of our national drone strategy, which signals our commitment to safely supporting this growing segment of airspace users,” said Raymond G. Bohn, President and Chief Executive Officer, NAV CANADA. “It serves as an important building block towards an integrated RPAS Traffic Management environment.”

This fully digitized system is designed to support drone flights within visual line of sight. It also reportedly makes the process of requesting authorization to fly in controlled airspace easier and faster for qualified drone pilots. The application was developed to meet current regulations and will be updated as the regulatory environment evolves.

NAV Drone has reportedly been used across the industry to support a wide range of missions, from inspections and photography to first responders and emergency services.

“We are proud of our partnership with NAV CANADA and what we have helped achieve this past year. The success of NAV Drone demonstrates further how Unifly, as a leading supplier of Unmanned Traffic Management solutions, is the ideal partner for national Air Navigation Service Providers and Civil Aviation Authorities,” said Andres Van Swalm, Co-Founder and CEO of Unifly.