Equipment
Aircraft, payloads, field kit, batteries and maintenance for the OPS RPAS program.
Aircraft fleet
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | DJI Mini 5 Pro |
| Registration # | Add Transport Canada registration number |
| Weight class | Small RPAS (>250 g) — see note below weight-critical |
| Operating category | Advanced Operations (CARs Part IX) |
| Battery (in service) | DJI Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (Fly More) — pushes takeoff weight over 250 g |
| Firmware baseline | Record current version |
Why the battery choice matters (read this)
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is spec'd at ~249.9 g with the standard battery — right at Canada's 250 g line. With the Fly More / Intelligent Flight Battery Plus (plus SD card, filters, etc.) the aircraft exceeds 250 g, so it is a registered small RPAS and Advanced-operations rules apply. If a standard sub-250 g battery is ever fitted, the aircraft may fall under the lighter microdrone rules instead — do not mix the two without confirming which regime you're operating under. Verify actual takeoff weight on a scale.
Payloads & sensors
| Payload | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visual / zoom camera (onboard) | Operational | Scene overview, hazard assessment, search support |
| Thermal / IR | Not operational | Planned — useful for search & patient location |
| Spotlight | Not operational | Planned — night scene lighting |
| Loudspeaker | Not operational | Planned — bystander communication |
| Medical / AED payload delivery | Not operational | Reserved for future BVLOS delivery program — not yet approved or equipped |
| Parachute / flight-termination system | Not operational | Would be required for future complex/BVLOS ops |
Not operational items are placeholders for planned capability. Do not rely on them until the status is updated and the capability is authorized and equipped.
Ground control & comms
- Remote controller (charged, firmware current)
- Tablet / phone with DJI app and NAV Drone app installed
- Charging: wall + vehicle + portable power station
- Mobile data / connectivity for airspace checks
Field kit / go-bag
Power
- Spare flight batteries (charged)
- Charger + power station / inverter
- Controller charging cable
Aircraft spares
- Spare propellers
- ND filters
- Tool kit
- microSD cards + reader
Site & safety
- Landing pad
- Cones / perimeter marking
- Hi-vis vest
- Anemometer (wind meter)
- First-aid kit
- LiPo-safe fire suppression
Documents
- Printed checklists
- Printed emergency cards
- Proof of registration & pilot certificate
- Logbook
Battery management
- Store LiPo batteries at storage charge in fire-safe bags/containers.
- Inspect for swelling, damage and connector wear before every use.
- Track charge cycles; retire per manufacturer / program criteria.
- Never charge unattended; keep clear of combustibles.
Maintenance & serviceability
- Run the Periodic Equipment Inspection on schedule (e.g. monthly).
- Keep firmware current on aircraft and controller; record versions.
- Log defects/snags; tag unserviceable equipment out of service.
- Follow manufacturer service intervals.