If your business works in aerospace or advanced technology and needs real flight testing, Canada’s National Research Council (NRC) runs a civilian research aircraft fleet. Companies can use NRC’s aircraft, pilots, and engineering teams for testing, validation, and technology demonstrations. These services are paid and available to eligible organizations across Canada.
This guide explains who can use the NRC Research Aircraft Fleet, what testing is supported, and how to start the process.
The NRC — Research Aircraft Fleet is a federal service from the National Research Council of Canada. It is not a grant program. Instead, NRC offers paid research services to help businesses and researchers improve aeronautics innovation and safety.
NRC provides:
Any eligible Canadian organization can apply to use these services.
The NRC Research Aircraft Fleet is open to organizations with a clear need for testing or demonstration. NRC says eligible users include:
Projects must fit NRC’s research goals, but there are no provincial restrictions.
NRC supports many kinds of in-flight testing and demonstrations, including:
Each project is planned based on the aircraft needed, the test’s complexity, and NRC staff.
NRC’s aircraft fleet operates on a cost-recovery, fee-for-service model. There is no public price list. Costs depend on:
Many businesses use NRC flight testing as an eligible expense in other funding programs. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help find grants and innovation programs that cover third-party testing as part of a larger R&D project.
For help with budgeting, read:
To use the NRC Research Aircraft Fleet, follow these steps:
Define your testing goal
Decide what technology you want to test or demonstrate.
Contact NRC Aeronautics
NRC will check if your project is possible and if aircraft are available.
Project planning and proposal
NRC will outline which aircraft, staff, timelines, and costs are involved.
Service agreement
You will sign an agreement covering price, IP, confidentiality, and deliverables.
Flight testing and reporting
NRC conducts the tests and provides the agreed data and analysis.
For preparation tips, see:
Thinking NRC Research Aircraft Fleet is a grant
This is a paid service. Plan your budget and look for grants to help cover costs.
Contacting NRC without a clear test plan
Vague requests can delay the process. Have clear goals before reaching out.
Underestimating timelines
Flight testing depends on aircraft schedules, weather, and regulations.
Not clarifying IP and data ownership
Discuss data rights and confidentiality in your service agreement.
Q: Is the NRC Research Aircraft Fleet free to use?
No. It is a paid service, with costs based on your project’s needs.
Q: Can small businesses use NRC flight testing services?
Yes. SMEs can use NRC if their project needs aeronautical testing or airborne research.
Q: What types of aircraft does NRC provide?
NRC has several research aircraft for flight mechanics, avionics, and airborne research. The choice depends on your testing needs.
Q: Can NRC flight testing help with certification or regulatory work?
Yes. Many projects involve data collection for certification or regulatory submissions.
Q: How do companies pay for NRC flight testing?
Costs are paid directly to NRC. Many companies use grants or R&D funding programs to help cover these expenses.
If flight testing is important for your product or certification process, NRC’s Research Aircraft Fleet is a reliable option in Canada. To help with costs, visit GrantHub to find grants and innovation programs that match your business profile. This can make NRC testing more affordable and easier to plan.
You may also find these guides helpful:
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