By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks: 15 Dec 25 A pilot is required to cease operations immediately following any incident or accident. If you operate a drone under CARs Part IX  (small RPAS, 250g–25kg), you already know the importance of flying safely. But when things go wrong, do you know exactly what to do? Many pilots are confused about whether to call Transport Canada (TC) or the Transportation Safety Board (TSB)—or if they need to call anyone at all. This gui

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 15 December 2025 Introduction: The Shift to Safety Culture In the rapidly evolving landscape of Canadian drone operations, checking boxes is no longer enough. Whether you are conducting basic VLOS inspections or preparing for complex BVLOS delivery routes, the difference between a grounded fleet and a successful mission often comes down to one thing: Safety Management Sy

By [Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks: 15 December 2025] The rules of engagement for drones in North America just shifted dramatically. While hobbyists and commercial pilots have been focused on staying compliant with registration and flight path rules, a massive legislative change in the United States is about to deputize thousands of local officers with the power to take drones down. A recent report from CUAS Hub  highlights a pivotal inclusion in the U.S. Nationa

By:  Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, December 14, 2025 To:   The Honourable Steven MacKinnon Minister of Transport), The Honourable Mélanie Joly Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development) CC: The Minister of National Defence, The Prime Minister of Canada Imagine a search for a missing child in dense woodland. The clock is ticking, and the temperature is dropping. A volunteer Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) team launches a thermal-equipped drone

By [Colonel Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks: 14 December 2025] The vast, rugged wilderness of Canada is a point of national pride. It is also one of the most challenging environments on earth for first responders. From the dense, towering coastal forests of British Columbia to the freezing, snow-filled ravines of Northern Ontario, traditional ground searches can take days—time that missing persons often don’t have. Much like our neighbors to the south, Canadian agencies are tur

Date:  December 14, 2025 Category:  RPAS Regs / Safety News by: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks For years, Canadian DJI pilots have operated with a digital safety net. If you tried to take off near Pearson International, a military base like CFB Trenton, or near an active wildfire, your drone likely refused to leave the ground. That era is officially over. In a major policy shift that began in Europe and reached full global implementation—including Canada—as of la

In the modern airspace, drones are becoming ubiquitous, from delivering packages to conducting military surveillance. But as we fill the skies with autonomous vehicles, a sophisticated threat has emerged that doesn't just stop drones—it hijacks them. This is Navigation Spoofing , a technique that, as the attached infographic illustrates, is essentially "making a drone think it's somewhere else." While "jamming" simply blasts noise to block a signal, spoofing is a far more ele

Welcome back to your weekly aerial update.  It’s been a landmark week for the industry, arguably one of the most significant of 2025. We have massive hardware drops from the global leader, and here in Canada, the regulatory landscape has finally shifted to unlock the true potential of the skies. Here is everything you need to know from the drone world this week. International News 1. Heavy Lifting: DJI Unveils the FlyCart 100 (FC100) Just as we thought the delivery sector was

Written by [ Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks ] The air campaign in Ukraine has not followed the script written in Western military academies. For decades, Canada, the US, and NATO have operated under the assumption of Air Superiority —the idea that we would own the skies, suppress enemy defenses, and rain fire with impunity. The war in Ukraine has shattered that assumption. Instead of Top Gun -style dogfights or uncontested bombing runs, we are witnessing a brutal

By: [ Col (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks ] Understanding the "Alphabet Soup" Behind Your Drone Regulations If you fly a drone in Canada, you live by the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IX . But have you ever wondered why  the rules are written the way they are? Why does a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) require such specific risk assessments? Why are training standards evolving? Transport Canada doesn’t operate in a vacuum. The rules you follow tod

Navigating the skies as a drone pilot in Canada can feel like a solo mission, but it doesn't have to be. Whether you are flying a tiny Mavic Mini in your backyard or operating a heavy-lift rig for industrial inspections, there is likely an organization fighting for your rights to fly. One of the most frequent questions from new pilots is: "Is there a union for us? Who talks to Transport Canada on my behalf?" The short answer is the Drone Pilot Association of Canada (DPAC) , b

By [Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks] If you have passed your Advanced RPAS exam, you likely hold a Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A) . It is a standard recommendation in many ground schools: get your ROC-A so you can legally use an aviation radio. Consequently, many pilots go out and buy a high-quality handheld aviation transceiver (like an Icom or Yaesu), believing they are now fully authorized to communicate with Air Traffic Control (ATC) or

By [Col (ret) Bernie Derbach - KR Droneworks] If you are a drone pilot in Canada, you likely know "The List." It’s the Transport Canada database  you anxiously check to see if your new drone is eligible for Advanced or Level 1 Complex Operations. For manufacturers, that list represents a gateway to the Canadian market. But a simple checkbox on a government website hides a complex web of engineering standards, liability, and rigorous testing. Whether you are building drones or

By [Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach] Date: December 7, 2025 If you own a DJI drone or are thinking of buying one, you’ve likely felt the ground shifting beneath your feet. It is no longer just a political standoff in Washington—the security concerns have gone global, and they have landed squarely in Canada. This week, the headlines have been relentless. From the looming legislative deadline in the US to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)  suddenly grounding the majority o

Introducing ISO UAV Training Standards NOTE: This is a blog tailored for RPAS operators, specifically designed to bridge the gap between high-level ISO standards and the practical reality of Canadian aviation regulations (Transport Canada). As the Canadian drone industry matures, the bar for professionalism is rising. With Transport Canada’s new RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC)  framework for complex operations (like BVLOS) rolling out, operators are looking for robust ways

There is a unique thrill to flying at night. The world looks different; cities become glowing grids, and landscapes take on a moody, cinematic quality. But for drone pilots in Canada, the question often arises: "Can I legally do this?" The short answer is yes . Unlike the early days of drone regulation, night flying is permitted for both Basic  and Advanced  certificate holders, provided you follow specific rules. However, "legal" doesn't always mean "easy." Night flying intr

Your Weekly Update Welcome back to your weekly briefing on the unmanned skies. As we roll into the final month of 2025, the industry is seeing a massive convergence of geopolitical tension, regulatory deadlines, and holiday product launches. From high-stakes security scares in Ireland to critical funding crises in the Canadian prairies, here is what happened in the drone world this week. Global Drone Events 1. Security Alert: Drones Shadow Zelenskyy in Dublin A major security

Becoming a certified drone pilot opens many doors in the commercial drone industry. Whether you want to start a drone business or expand your existing operations, certification is essential. It ensures you meet regulatory standards and operate safely. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a certified drone pilot, focusing on certified drone training Canada offers. Understanding Certified Drone Training Canada Certified drone training by KR Droneworks provides

Operating drones commercially in Canada requires strict attention to safety. You must understand the rules and best practices to protect people, property, and your business. This post breaks down key points to help you maintain high standards in your drone operations. Follow these guidelines to stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes. Understanding Aviation Safety for Drones in Canada Canada’s drone regulations are designed to integrate unmanned aircraft safely into the nati

Your Weekly Update Happy Friday, pilots! It’s been a wild week in the drone universe. From internet-killing delivery drones in the US to military detection trials buzzing over Ottawa, here is everything you need to know from the last 7 days. Here is your weekly briefing on the most important news from the drone universe. 🌎 International News U.S. MQ-9 Reaper crash off South Korea (routine mission — under investigation). Multiple outlets reported a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 crashed