DJI Calls on Transport Canada to Enhance Drone Safety Through Mandatory Knowledge Quiz
Company Advocates for Science-Based Regulations Over Social Media Influences
In a significant appeal to regulatory authorities, DJI, a global leader in civilian drone technology, has reached out to Transport Canada with a proposal aimed at bolstering drone safety in Canada. The initiative, announced on November 7, 2017, suggests the development of a mandatory Knowledge Quiz that prospective drone pilots would need to complete before their initial flight with DJI drones.
Introducing the DJI Knowledge Quiz
The proposed DJI Knowledge Quiz is designed to ensure that new drone operators possess a fundamental understanding of safe drone practices. This quiz will consist of essential questions focused on safe drone operation and will be integrated into DJI’s GO 4 app, which connects with smartphone and tablet remote controllers. The rollout of this quiz will first take place in the United States, where it has been developed with input from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Brendan Schulman, DJI’s Vice President for Policy and Legal Affairs, emphasized the importance of this initiative at the Unmanned Canada 2017 conference held near Toronto. “By requiring our customers to pass a test, we are ensuring they understand the safety regulations that govern drone operations,” he stated. Schulman further expressed a welcoming stance towards collaboration with Transport Canada to refine the quiz’s questions and answers, ensuring they accurately reflect regulatory nuances.
A Call for Science-Based Guidelines
Schulman highlighted concerns about Canada potentially lagging behind other nations in fostering drone innovation. He noted that the benefits of drone technology extend beyond recreation, aiding businesses in enhancing efficiency, safeguarding workers during hazardous inspections, and supporting emergency services in their life-saving missions.
In his address, Schulman urged Transport Canada to foster a more productive dialogue with the drone sector, stressing, “Our aim is to move beyond mere discussions of differing views and focus on identifying the actual risks we need to mitigate, along with the relevant data required.” He reiterated DJI’s readiness to collaborate in gathering valuable information that can inform regulations grounded in empirical data rather than anecdotal evidence from platforms like YouTube.
DJI’s Continued Engagement with Drone Regulations
DJI’s proactive approach comes after Transport Canada unveiled new drone regulations in March without inviting input from key industry players, including DJI itself. Notably, several DJI drones were showcased during the announcement, which Schulman viewed as an indicator of the necessity for early engagement in regulatory discussions. “When your products are literally on display, it’s beneficial to have a conversation beforehand,” he remarked.
He acknowledged Transport Canada’s efforts to amend its Interim Order to improve the situation and expressed optimism about ongoing dialogues. “Since March, we have had many constructive conversations and are continuing to collaborate to find the right equilibrium between safety regulations and the facilitation of innovation,” said Schulman.
DJI’s Commitment to Safety and Innovation
As a manufacturer of approximately two-thirds of the world’s drones, DJI is in a pivotal position to advocate for and implement systems that enhance both safety and security in the drone-operating community. Their initiatives, including systems designed to detect and identify airborne drones, reflect their commitment to responsible innovation in this rapidly evolving sector.
Unmanned Canada 2017, the country’s premiere convention dedicated to unmanned systems, sponsored by Unmanned Systems Canada, highlights the growing importance of collaboration between industry and regulatory bodies to ensure safe and innovative progress in drone technology.
