Field Testing & Validation
Every UAV is validated through structured field trials. Key logs are published to demonstrate safety, autonomy, and system performance.
Pilot Certification — Operational Readiness
September 4, 2025
GeozoneKing City, ON, Canada
PlatformSkyBuoy-I (Holybro X650 variant)
Conditions19 kt SE
Flight Time11 min
Distance0.9 km
LicenseAdvanced RPAS (Transport Canada)
AirspaceClass G (via LAANC)
Goal
Achieve legal and safe operational clearance for advanced UAV missions.
Systems Tested
RPAS ExamFlight Review
Results
Passed Advanced RPAS exam and flight review. Cleared to fly in controlled airspace with larger UAVs.
Challenges
Intensive preparation on Canadian airspace law and procedures.
Milestones
Confirmed the platform was airworthy and ready for expanded testing.
Return-to-Home (RTH) Safety Test
September 12, 2025
GeozoneKing City, ON, Canada
PlatformSkyBuoy-I (Holybro X650 variant)
Conditions3kt SW, calm and clear day
Flight Time9 min
Distance1.6 km
LicenseAdvanced RPAS License
AirspaceClass G (via LAANC)
Goal
Validate safety-critical redundancy for loss-of-signal recovery.
Systems Tested
PX4 RTH routineRC overrideauto-landing
Results
UAV returned to launch after comms loss simulation. Landed and disarmed autonomously. Smooth RC handoff tested successfully.
Challenges
Initial RTH altitude set too low for obstacle clearance. Adjusted parameters.
Milestones
Proved fail-safe reliability, enabling long-range testing.
Autonomous Takeoff & Landing
September 15, 2025
GeozoneKing City, ON, Canada
PlatformSkyBuoy-I (Holybro X650 variant)
Conditions3kt SW, calm and clear day
Flight Time9 min
Distance1.6 km
LicenseAdvanced RPAS License
AirspaceClass G (via LAANC)
Goal
Enable autonomous launch, mission execution, and precision landing.
Systems Tested
PX4 auto-takeoffAprilTag + LiDAR landingJetson Nano ROS2 logging
Results
UAV executed full auto mission with <10 cm landing accuracy. Resilient to telemetry interruptions (nohup mission persistence).
Challenges
ESC initialization inconsistent; tuned min-power parameters for stability. A firmer landing platform needed to handle propeller downwash.
Milestones
Proved fail-safe reliability, enabling long-range testing.
