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11. August 2025
Canada Gives Avss Green Light For Revolutionary Avalanche Management With Drone Tech
AVSS, a Canadian company renowned for its drone solutions and equipment, has secured a nationwide Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) approval from Transport Canada. This critical regulatory clearance enables the deployment of its cutting-edge SnowDart technology to perform avalanche management in various regions across the country.
The SFOC approval marks a major milestone for AVSS’s Precision Avalanche Management System (PAMS), a comprehensive platform that combines hardware and software components to provide an effective solution for avalanche control. With this nationwide approval, AVSS is poised to expand its offerings to government agencies, mining companies, ski resorts, and other end-users in Canada.
AVSS’s journey to commercialize the PAMS technology began several years ago, with a focus on developing innovative drone solutions that catered to various industries. In 2020, the company started exploring ways to utilize its expertise in airdrop dynamics and pyrotechnics to create a system that could effectively manage avalanches.
At the heart of AVSS’s PAMS platform lies the SnowDart technology – a novel drone-delivery system designed to combat avalanches. Each SnowDart is equipped with a pyrotechnic device that, upon activation, releases a controlled blast of air and/or explosive force. The SnowDarts are deployed from an AVSS drop system, which ensures precise control over the delivery process.
The PAMS technology platform integrates AVSS’s flight planning software, enabling automated missions within designated geozones. Once the SnowDart is dropped into the predetermined avalanche control area, the pyrotechnic device activates, releasing a blast that helps to stabilize or disperse the snowpack. After deployment, the system collects key data analytics, providing end-users with valuable insights for future mission planning.
AVSS’s SFOC approval is a testament to the company’s commitment to regulatory compliance and collaboration with government agencies. In 2024, AVSS secured funding support from FEDDEV to further develop its software and sensor suites, which will enhance the effectiveness of the SnowDart technology.
The Canadian government’s Innovation Solutions program played a pivotal role in paving the way for this approval. The program aimed to accelerate innovation and adoption of cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, including transportation and natural resources.
With its nationwide SFOC approval, AVSS is now well-positioned to commercialize its PAMS technology for government agencies, mining companies, ski resorts, and other end-users in Canada. The company’s distribution partners will also be instrumental in expanding the SnowDart technology to new markets.
The potential applications of AVSS’s PAMS platform are vast, with opportunities ranging from avalanche management in remote areas to disaster response and recovery efforts. By harnessing the power of drone technology, AVSS is helping to develop innovative solutions that can mitigate the risks associated with avalanches.
AVSS’s commitment to regulatory compliance and collaboration with government agencies is a testament to its dedication to responsible innovation. The approval of its SFOC serves as a model for others, demonstrating the potential for innovative solutions to make a positive impact on society.
The Canadian government’s Innovation Solutions program has been instrumental in supporting the development of innovative technologies across various sectors. Transport Canada’s regulations for Special Flight Operations Certificates aim to ensure public safety while facilitating the use of drones in commercial applications.
The approval of AVSS’s SFOC has significant implications for industries affected by avalanches, including mining companies and ski resorts. Avalanche management solutions like AVSS’s PAMS platform can enhance the safety and accessibility of ski slopes and help mitigate risks associated with mining operations.
As the use of drone technology continues to grow, it is essential for industries to prioritize regulatory compliance and responsible innovation. AVSS’s SFOC approval serves as a model for others, demonstrating the potential for innovative solutions to make a positive impact on society.