Global UAV Technologies Ltd. has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Pioneer Aerial Surveys Ltd., has received authorization from Transport Canada to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations with the NOVAerial Procyon 800E UAS at the UAS test range in Foremost, Alberta.

Transport Canada issued a Special Flight Operating Certificate (SFOC) to Pioneer Aerial, allowing for BVLOS flights at the Foremost UAS Range in Alberta, Canada. With the SFOC, Pioneer Aerial can demonstrate delivery of payloads with the Procyon 800E, and it can also conduct research and development flights, such as radio signal strength testing.

Global UAV says that the BVLOS flight test plans will align it to apply for Transport Canada pilot project approval for future flights and operations in unrestricted airspace.

“Transport Canada’s approval of these operations with the Procyon 800E validates the diligence of the Global UAV group of companies in developing safe and efficient operating protocols, and the design and manufacturing standard of the Procyon 800E,” says Michael Burns, CEO, Global UAV Technologies Ltd.

“Being able to conduct BVLOS operations will open up market verticals previously considered not economic for UAS, especially public safety and linear asset management.”

Before granting Pioneer Aerial the SFOC, Transport Canada conducted a strict review and analysis on the systems, crew qualifications, flight safety manuals, and other presented information.

Global UAV says that it is “very pleased that Pioneer Aerial passed such a strict review which validates their current operating practices.”