A Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, or RPAS, is the formal terminology Transport Canada has adopted to identify aerial drones and related operations.

Drones bring the ability to capture aerial imagery at a greatly reduced cost versus manned aircraft, and due to their size and capabilities can operate in areas where other aircraft can not. A drone can capture the same viewpoint as a pilot flying an aircraft, providing an alternative for maintenance of airfield equipment such as PAPIs that can replace complicated and error-prone ground-based assessments.

For PAPI Calibration, utilizing the DeFI analysis solution from Airotec, the Empower Team will conduct a drone-based verification of the Aiming, Glide Path Angle, Transition Sequence and Optical Transition Zone of your PAPI systems. If adjustment is required, we can provide the adjustment information to your airfield electrical team or conduct the calibration for you. A flight is then performed again to confirm the adjustments and ensure that the PAPI is ready for service. A detailed report is provided at the conclusion of operations to document the work completed and to verify for the airport that required maintenance is being completed.

Empower will work with your airport operations team to minimize any impact to operations, and coordinate all necessary approvals from NAV Canada to provide a worry-free experience.