At the dawn of the commercial drone industry, Chris Healy saw a golden opportunity and became one of the industry’s early pioneers. Based in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada, Chris founded In-Flight Data in 2014. With years of experience in business technology, Chris positioned In-Flight Data to become a leader in the Canadian drone market. In addition to the company’s expertise and groundbreaking advancements in drone applications, In-Flight Data is well-known as a Certified Indigenous business in Canada.

The Indigenous Peoples of Canada, also called Aboriginals, comprise the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, making up 5% of Canada’s population. To foster strength for Aboriginals, Canada proudly supports Indigenous leadership programs and companies such as In-Flight Data. This support has enabled Chris Healy and his team to set the standard for drone services in Canada, particularly in BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations. In 2018, In-Flight Data established the standards for BVLOS operations through a regulator-supported trial program.

The results of this pilot program not only created the framework for Canada’s BVLOS regulations but also allowed In-Flight Data to secure three Guinness World Records. The first record was set on September 23, 2018, for the longest single urban flight for a BVLOS civilian UAV for a small drone weighing up to 55 lbs. A few days later, on September 29 and 30, the second record was set for the longest cumulative urban flight for a BVLOS civilian UAV up to 55 lbs. Then, on October 6, In-Flight Data set their third record for the longest cumulative BVLOS battery-powered UAV flight, covering a distance of 1,692.01 miles.

With a track record of successful missions, three Guinness World Records, and support from regulatory agencies, In-Flight Data has continued to lead the way for drone applications in Canada. They offer a wide range of services, from surveying and mapping to data collection and emergency response. While they sell equipment and offer repairs, what they are most proud of today are the programs they provide to pave the way for the future of the drone industry by educating drone operators. For several years, In-Flight Data has offered courses on everything needed to become a commercial drone pilot. Classes can be taken in person or online and are taught by instructors with over 30,000 combined hours of commercial drone flight experience.

On September 16, 2024, In-Flight Data announced a five-day drone training program. This comprehensive course will take place at the Springbank and Okotoks airports from October 16-20, 2024, preparing students to launch a career in the drone industry. “With the growing demand for skilled drone pilots in many industrial sectors,” Chris said, “this course provides the essential knowledge and practical experience needed to pass the exam and excel in today’s competitive drone industry.” The course is geared toward anyone interested in becoming a drone pilot or applying drones in their business operations, such as construction or inspections.

What sets this program apart from other drone training courses is Chris’s connection to his Indigenous roots. In-Flight Data is one of the few Certified Indigenous businesses in Canada authorized to provide Class 1 and 2 drone training programs. “We are incredibly proud to offer this milestone training program,” Chris stated. “As a company rooted in Indigenous values, we believe this course not only supports economic growth for Indigenous peoples but also elevates the standards for drone operations across Canada. It’s about building a future where advanced technology and Indigenous leadership go hand-in-hand.”

By the end of the course, participants will have all the knowledge and skills needed to pass Transport Canada’s Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC), the equivalent of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Part 107 in the United States. With an SFOC, individuals will have opportunities for future success in the commercial drone industry. “Our goal is to build capacity within Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities alike, providing individuals with cutting-edge skills for today’s job market,” said Larry Kopstein, In-Flight Data’s Chief Flight Instructor and Training Developer. “This training opens doors to many sectors where drones are revolutionizing the way businesses operate.” Prior to this special course, In-Flight Data had already trained more than 4,000 Canadian drone pilots. As In-Flight Data continues to innovate and lead in the drone industry, their commitment to education and Indigenous values promises to shape a brighter future for all involved.

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