NEW MILLENNIUM FALCON
Pilot Justin Quesnel launches the Robird at Edmonton International Airport Monday. The falcon-shaped drone will be used to frighten birds away from runways.
A robot falcon will patrol the skies at Edmonton International Airport — a first of its kind — to keep birds away from runways.
The Robird drone, designed to mimic the look and flight of the predatory peregrine falcon, is meant to frighten in particular large flocking birds such as geese and seagulls. Aerium Analytics, based out of Calgary, has teamed up with the Alberta Aerospace and Technology Centre working out of the airport, and together they will focus on the growth of drone technologies in Alberta.
“We truly believe that there is a way for manned aviation and unmanned aviation to work in the same skies together and this is a prime test bed to prove that,” Aerium managing director Jordan Cicoria said Monday at the airport.
He said the Robird can also be used to keep birds out of harm’s way at oilsands tailings ponds, landfills and wind turbines.
“We’re able to help protect people, protect birds, and do it in a non-lethal, minimally invasive way,” Cicoria said.
The Robirds were built by Clear Flight Solutions in the Netherlands, the only commercial manufacturer of these birds. Four of them are currently in Edmonton, with more on the way.
Aerium’s Justin Quesnel, the first North American pilot of the Robird, operated the test flight demonstration Monday along with Ramon Wind from Clear Flight.
The fake falcon was hand launched by Quesnel and then circled the skies on farmland just outside the airport before landing smoothly on the ground.
Starting in July, Quesnel will be at the airport operating the drones daily, as well as training other pilots as the need increases.
Myron Keehn, the airport’s vicepresident of commercial development, said the technology adds a layer to aviation safety.
“It’s not that we have an issue; it’s just how can we make it better and continue to improve,” he said.
Keehn said this leading technology through the partnership of Alberta-based companies shows the ingenuity in Alberta and the willingness to try something new.
“We’re pretty pleased that we’re able to do it first and I imagine you will see a lot of response in the fall or next spring from other airports that are looking to integrate this technology into their operations,” he said.
We’re able to help protect people, protect birds, and do it in a non-lethal, minimally invasive way.