Test flights of new RCMP Air Support Pilot Project set for Battlefords region this weekend

Battlefords RCMP has issued a media advisory indicating their plans for launching an Air Support Pilot Project across Saskatchewan. 

"The Saskatchewan RCMP has seen proven success using Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) throughout the province, which is why the Battlefords RCMP is enhancing their air support capabilities by using an RPAS during active calls for service," notes the release from Saskatchewan RCMP.

RCMP advise the public that on August 25th and August 26th, a 2-day pilot project will be in the Battlefords region, consisting of using the Sky Fury, a fixed-wing aircraft. The goal of this project is to support officers actively responding to calls in the community of North Battleford.

All flights that take place are limited to active calls for police presence, focusing on unfolding events only. A trained and certified RPAS pilot will employ an unmanned aircraft to assist front-line police officers during calls for service, where a secondary employee will relay information seen on the video feed to officers responding to the call.

If members of the public observe this aircraft while in use, it is a police-related exercise and does not need to be reported by calling emergency responders. RCMP advise that all necessary permission and licenses have been obtained from regulatory agencies and authorities to conduct these exercises within restricted airspace.

-30-

For more information: 
Candace Toma, Public & Intergovernmental Relations Coordinator
306-441-0713 - publicrelations@cityofnb.ca