2025 was a big year for the Canadian drone industry! I had almost lost hope of seeing BVLOS regs when we received a very welcome surprise in the spring. That was the catalyst for a very busy remainder of the year! From course creation to planning complex flight operations, navigating impacts of the incoming regulations and helping our clients do the same, forecasting challenges under this new framework and setting new goals, we had a lot of ground to cover. At every turn, though, a constant theme emerged around community. I’m so thankful to be surrounded by coworkers, colleagues, regulators and clients that support the same productive, collaborative and future-focussed mentality that’s going to enable great things to happen in the years to come. But for now, a look back on some of my favourite moments from 2025.
Executing on this mission took a lot of prep and planning, but in the end we lucked out with perfect weather and it was so rewarding to see it all come together. This flight brought together technology and teams from across the country and across institutions. Led by Dr. Iraj Mantegh from the NRC’s Aerospace Research Centre, this collab included the University of Ottawa, the University of Victoria, and Toronto Metropolitan University, Koptr Imaging, us and our friends at the Cowichan Tribes. It was particularly meaningful to work on an operation with Paula and Cedar from Cowichan, as we got to put their Advanced certifications to practice after training together on that earlier in the summer. If you want to read more about the flight that we did and technology involved, check out the article here.
The next highlight was presenting the Ellevatus award to Jeannie (or at least to Jeannie’s picture – she wasn’t able to attend) at the Aerial Evolution conference in Edmonton in November. Luckily I managed to see her in Ottawa earlier in the year and am always to grateful to hear her perspectives and insights. We have an amazing group of supportive women that show up to the Women in Drones events both online and in person at the AEAC conference, and that group continues to grow each year. After working in a male dominated industry for so long I’m so encouraged to see more women enter the industry and move up through the ranks. The support and collaboration and recognition I see really speaks to the strength of this community we’ve built.
Speaking of more women in the industry…
Was so fortunate to be back in the classroom in December for some Level 1 Complex training. We had some tough weather to work around (rainy in BC in the winter? Who knew!) but this dedicated group stuck it out and we made it work! My start in this industry was delivering ground schools in-person across the country, and it brings me joy to get back out there once in a while to do that again. I love my online courses but how am I supposed to know if my jokes are landing if I don’t occasionally test them out in front of a group???
2025 was the start of some big things. There’s work to do, but I can’t wait to see what comes next. 2026 we are ready for you!
