Gap Wireless, a leading distributor of products and services for the mobile broadband and wireless markets and a premiere provider of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, announced Sept. 24 that the company has received a national Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada, enabling the company to demonstrate drones at industry and customer events across the country.
Enterprise-grade drones stocked and distributed by Gap Wireless are increasingly used in public safety applications such as firefighting, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue.
“In view of the challenges presented by such events as forest fires or rescue operations in rugged terrain, many first responder units are using drones to reduce risk and enhance service,” said Marc Bouvrette, president of Gap Wireless. “We’re delighted that Gap Wireless can now showcase vendor partner UAV solutions anywhere in Canada to share latest technology with customers and prospects, especially in the public safety sector.”
Sam Poulos, chief pilot at Gap Wireless, was instrumental in Gap Wireless being awarded the SFOC certificate, expanding authorization beyond the company’s previous Ontario certificate. All companies operating commercial-level drones must have their SFOC designation in order to fly drones in Canada.
Poulos will demonstrate drones and sensors in-flight at two UAV Operations and Techniques for Public Safety Seminars being held in Calgary, Alberta, on Oct. 16 and in Mississauga, Ontario, on Oct. 19. The seminars, featuring products from Gap Wireless’ industry-leading vendor partners DJI Enterprise and FLIR Systems, are presented by Gap Wireless and DJI Enterprise.
Gap Wireless is an authorized distributor of DJI drones, and Poulos will showcase the latest UAV aircraft and sensor technology including:
- M200 drones designed for use in harsh environments, resistant to high winds, sub-zero temperatures, and protected against inclement weather;
- Zenmuse XT2 purpose-built for public safety applications by DJI in collaboration with FLIR Systems. FLIR thermal imaging cameras enable first responders to see through smoke and underbrush and aid in finding people; and
- Zenmuse Z30, a DJI sensor that can capture information from an extended range based on a 30x optical zoom, making image data collection significantly faster and reducing risk for both personnel and equipment.
The Calgary seminar will be staged at the Gap Wireless western Canada warehouse and the Mississauga event will be held at a venue near the Gap Wireless Argentia Road headquarters office.
