Analysis of Current and Future Applications of Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems in the Transportation of Dangerous Goods

Remote Pilot Aircraft Systems (RPAS) have implications for the Canadian transportation system. This research contract aims to provide information and analysis on the type of dangerous goods, and industries related to dangerous goods, which have the greatest interest and applicability to be moved by RPAS. Further research is also requested on the legislation and regulations proposed and initiated by other countries related to RPAS and dangerous goods, in addition to any incident and accident information related to RPAS in those countries.The use of RPAS continues to grow, both in Canada, and globally. It has a multi-sector use, including agriculture, delivery, mining, scientific research, security, and law enforcement. Slow regulatory development may create a barrier for economic growth, and future development of larger operational use of the technology. The Government of Canada has allocated budgetary means for developing RPAS-related regulations and standards in an effort to bridge the gap between technological development and regulatory and legislative developments.The objective of this project is to provide a review of RPAS applicability in Canada, specifically focused on the movement of dangerous goods, and an overview of international RPAS legislation related to dangerous goods, and any pertinent accident/incident information available from the aforementioned international sources. The information gained from this research contract will assist in moving towards risk-based analysis of RPAS, and provide early information related to accident reporting of this specific transportation method.