Moderator : JR Hammond, Executive Director, Canadian Advanced Air Mobility This session highlights the essential interdependence between drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) as drivers of commercial success in Canada’s emerging aerial economy. Our expert panel will unpack how these technologies complement one another across key domains—aircraft certification, infrastructure development, workforce readiness, and public trust—creating a holistic ecosystem primed for zero‑emission aviation.
Moderator : Dan Juhlin, Principal, Juhlin Remote Pilot Consulting Canada’s commitment to NATO’s renewed Defence spending opens the door for homegrown RPAS innovation to play a central role in sovereignty, resiliency, and readiness. This panel explores how Canadian SMEs can become integral to the future of autonomous Defence capabilities. Reinforcing Canada’s role in NATO through RPAS innovation, resilient supply chains, and dual-use technology partnerships that strengthen both national security and industrial capacity.
Moderator : Declan Sweeney, Executive Director, AEAC In a global drone market dominated by foreign tech, Canadian infrastructure operators face unique risks. This panel explores how to lead with made-in-Canada BVLOS drone solutions that are secure, weather-resilient, and built for our geography—strengthening national resilience through domestic innovation.
Moderator : Kate Klassen, Training and Regulatory Specialist, InDro Robotics In this panel, we’ll cut through the noise around Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) drone operations by examining Canada’s evolving certification and regulation landscape. With recent changes allowing for lower-risk BVLOS flights without needing an SFOC, we’ll walk through what’s required—from Level 1 Complex pilot certification to RPOC eligibility—and what remains out of scope. Join regulators, industry experts, and experienced operators as they break down the practicalities, pitfalls, and future outlook of Canada’s BVLOS ecosystem.
Moderator : Brian Fentiman, CEO, BlueForce UAV Consulting Inc. Looking skyward to explore the evolving role of drones in enhancing public safety across Canada, this panel brings together police and first responder agencies actively operating Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs to discuss the unique practical, regulatory, and societal challenges they navigate—and the commercial innovations shaping the future of BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) capabilities tailored to Canadian realities.
Moderator : Michael Cohen, Board of Directors Chair, AEAC Join a group of pioneering experts as they unravel how to commericalize within Canada’s aerospace ecosystem—from its thriving spaceport ambitions to the cockpit insights of aviation ergonomics—must align to fuel real, sustainable innovation.
Moderator : Jordan Cicoria, Chair / President & CEO, Aerium / AEAC Association Chair This forward-looking panel explores the dynamic journey from regulatory frameworks to real-world implementation of drones within Canada’s aviation landscape. Focused on airport integration, urban accessibility, and societal acceptance, the discussion will reveal how regulatory evolution is paving the way for commercial and community-ready drone operations across the nation.
