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Moderator : Sarah Graham, Nav Canada / AEAC
This dynamic stream of presentations showcases how RPAS technologies are being applied across diverse sectors—from live sports broadcasting to BVLOS operations and advanced radar systems. Learn from industry experts and innovators who are pushing the boundaries of what drones can do in real-world environments.
By Mat L. Matthews, RPAS Instructor, Consultant, Pilot
From NHL games to Red Bull competitions, drones are becoming essential tools in live broadcast production. In this presentation, a seasoned drone professional shares insights from over 15 years in the industry, including three years of hands-on experience delivering dynamic aerial shots for major sports and entertainment clients.
🎥 What you’ll learn:
– How drones are used for follow cams and scenic shots in live broadcasts
– Technical setup, equipment, and permissions required for live drone operations
– Real-world lessons from working with TSN, Snowboard Canada, Rugby Canada, and more
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at how drones are elevating live storytelling—one shot at a time.
By Nikolai Philipenko, University of Alberta, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Reliable communication is the backbone of safe and scalable BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone operations. This presentation explores a dual-channel strategy that combines 5G/LTE networks with point-to-point serial radio links to ensure robust, low-latency connectivity during critical flight phases like takeoff and landing.
What you’ll learn:
– How simultaneous data transmission across two channels improves reliability
– The role of edge processing and packet sequencing in seamless data handling
– Field-tested results demonstrating enhanced performance in real-world conditions
Join us to discover how communication redundancy is unlocking safer, more dependable BVLOS missions.
By Tim Nohara, Accipiter Radar
Canada’s drone industry is accelerating under the 2025 regulatory amendments to Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations, unlocking new opportunities for BVLOS operations in inspection, monitoring, agriculture, and delivery. But to realize this potential, reliable detect-and-avoid (DAA) capabilities are essential.
In this presentation, Accipiter Radar introduces its BVLOS DAA Smart Surveillance Network (SSN)—a flexible, cost-effective solution for regional airspace awareness. Learn how advanced radar signal processing and real-world deployments in Canada and the U.S. are proving the system’s effectiveness in supporting safe BVLOS missions, including drone-as-first-responder (DFR) applications and infrastructure inspections.
By Dr. Duncan G. Elliott, University of Alberta, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
What if phased-array radar—once reserved for naval antimissile systems—could be scaled down for small RPAS? This presentation explores a novel radar architecture designed to deliver high refresh rates, narrow beam widths, and 3D (even 4D) situational awareness on platforms under 25 kg.
📡 What you’ll learn:
– How simplified multiport radar receiver chips enable compact, high-performance radar
– The potential for 60 Hz–1 kHz scan rates vs. conventional aviation radar
– Field demonstrations using open-source software and commercial radar for detect-and-avoid
– A future-looking perspective on integrating advanced radar into BVLOS drone operations
Join us to explore how disruptive thinking is reshaping airborne sensing and unlocking new possibilities for autonomous flight.
By Mat L. Matthews, BlackHawk Aeronautical Solutions Inc.
By Nikolai Philipenko, University of Alberta, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
President & CEO
Accipiter Radar Technologies Inc.
Professor
ECE, University of Alberta
Professional RPAS Pilot, Instructor & Consultant
BlackHawk Aeronautical Solutions Inc.
Technical presenters