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 : 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 : Geoff Fink, Associate Professor, Thompson Rivers University From the Arctic tundra to mountainous energy landscapes and critical grid infrastructure, RPAS technologies are unlocking new possibilities for data-driven decision-making. This trio of presentations showcases how drones, edge AI, and advanced sensors are being deployed to tackle real-world challenges—from climate adaptation in northern communities to locating oil wells and automating powerline inspections. RPAS Applications in Mapping and Monitoring Climate Driven Changes in the Arctic By Garfield Cliff, Aurora College, Inuvik, NT Climate change is accelerating in the Western Arctic, posing serious threats to communities through permafrost thaw, flooding, wildfires, and infrastructure instability. In this presentation, the Aurora Research Institute (ARI) highlights how its RPAS program is supporting adaptation efforts by generating high-resolution, geospatial data to monitor environmental change. 📡 What you’ll see:– Technically detailed visuals from drone-based mapping and monitoring– Applications in erosion tracking, greenhouse gas emissions, river ice dynamics, and snowpack analysis– Operational insights and community-driven RPAS missions in...Read More >
Moderator : Geoff Fink, Associate Professor, Thompson Rivers University Explore the cutting edge of RPAS and advanced aerial mobility through a series of presentations that highlight national initiatives, platform updates, and regional innovation. From regulatory tools and research programs to economic development and corridor planning, this session brings together key players shaping Canada’s drone ecosystem. NSERC CREATE: Uninhabited Aircraft Systems Training, Innovation and Leadership Initiative By Nathaniel Mailhot and Salman Shafi University of Carelton NSERC CREATE UTILI Drone Program – Learn how academia is preparing the next generation of RPAS professionals NRC’s Integrated Aerial Mobility Program Update By Charles Vidal, National Research Council of Canada Join the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) for an exclusive update on its national RPAS research and development program. This session offers a look into how NRC is collaborating across the ecosystem to advance drone technologies, drive innovation, and support real-world applications. The Northeast Alberta Hub Skyways Project By Dan Juhlin...Read More >
Enjoy some drinks and lights snacks while meeting the AEAC Exhibitors and networking with all attendees!
Meals are included with all full-conference and full-day registrations.
Meals are included with all full-conference and full-day registrations.
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.
