RPAS stands for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System, which is the official term used in aviation regulations, including those in Canada, to describe what is commonly referred to as “drones.”
What does RPAS include?
An RPAS consists of the following components:
- Aircraft (the drone): The remotely piloted vehicle itself, which is equipped with various sensors, cameras, and other payloads.
- Control Station: The ground-based system (such as a remote control or command center) used by the pilot to control the aircraft.
- Communication Link: The system that enables communication between the drone and its control station (e.g., radio frequencies or satellite links).
- Supporting Equipment: Includes any additional tools or systems required to operate the RPAS, such as software, antennas, or maintenance tools.
Key Features of RPAS
- Remotely Piloted: Unlike traditional aircraft, RPAS does not have an onboard pilot. Instead, the operator controls it from a remote location.
- Flexible Use: RPAS can operate in various environments and serve multiple purposes, including visual line-of-sight (VLOS) and beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.
- Automation: Some RPAS include autonomous features, such as programmed flight paths, though the human operator retains ultimate responsibility.
Applications of RPAS
RPAS are widely used across industries, including:
- Agriculture: Crop monitoring, spraying, and field mapping.
- Infrastructure Inspection: Inspecting bridges, powerlines, pipelines, and wind turbines.
- Search and Rescue: Locating missing persons and delivering emergency supplies.
- Photography and Filmmaking: Capturing aerial footage for creative or commercial purposes.
- Surveying and Mapping: High-precision topographic mapping and land surveys.
RPAS vs UAV
While “RPAS” and UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) are often used interchangeably, they differ slightly:
- RPAS refers to the entire system (aircraft + control station + communications, etc.).
- UAV refers specifically to the unmanned aircraft itself.