College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has made aviation history, becoming the first educational institution in the world to achieve ISO 21384-3 certification for commercial unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations.
This internationally recognized certification sets the global standard for safe, professional, and compliant drone operations. It outlines rigorous requirements for operational planning, risk management, airspace safety, maintenance protocols, and pilot competency, ensuring organizations meet the highest benchmarks in quality assurance and safety.
The certification effort was led by Rick Wheeler, Faculty Researcher in Geomatics, and Heather Ward, Director of CNA’s Reality Capture and Digitization Technology Access Centre (RCD TAC). Their leadership and technical expertise have positioned CNA as a global leader in drone safety and innovation.
“This certification isn’t just a formality. It’s a reflection of the standard we hold ourselves to,” Ward said. “It validates the work we’ve been doing to ensure our drone operations are safe, well-documented, and aligned with international best practices. It’s really exciting to see our Technology Access Centre recognized at this level.”
Wheeler added, “Getting certified to ISO 21384-3 was a rigorous process. We had to take a hard look at every aspect of our operations, from flight planning and risk assessments to maintenance and pilot training. It took a lot of collaboration and attention to detail, and I think it really highlights the strength of our team and the depth of our technical expertise.”
Dr. Mike Long, Dean of Applied Research and Innovation, shared his pride in the team’s accomplishment.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what Heather, Rick, and the RCD TAC team have achieved," he said. "To go from launching the centre in 2023 to earning a world-first certification in 2025 is nothing short of remarkable. It speaks volumes about their dedication, professionalism, and the rapid growth of applied research capacity at CNA.”
ISO 21384-3 certification provides:
- Credibility: Demonstrates adherence to internationally accepted safety standards.
- Regulatory Advantage: Facilitates smoother approvals from aviation authorities.
- Operational Efficiency: Promotes standardized procedures and reduced errors.
- Risk Reduction: Enhances safety and lowers liability through proactive risk management.
As industries increasingly rely on drones for surveying, inspection, and emergency response, CNA’s achievement opens new doors for research, industry partnerships, and student training in cutting-edge technologies.
For more information about RCD TAC, visit
CNA - Applied Research & Innovation - RCD TAC.
For more information about CNA's Office of Applied Research and Innovation, visit
CNA - Applied Research & Innovation.
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Media Contacts
Allison Rowe
Community Relations Officer, RCD TAC
P: (709) 638-4905
E: allison.rowe@cna.nl.ca
Ryan Crocker
Manager of Communications
P: (709) 699-8981
E:
ryan.crocker@cna.nl.ca