By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks academy, 11 May 26 As we celebrate National Photography Month, the lure of capturing that perfect sunset or a sprawling landscape from 400 feet in the air is stronger than ever. But in Canada, being a "pilot" means more than just mastering the joysticks; it means being a steward of data. While Transport Canada governs where and how you fly, Canadian privacy laws govern what you see and keep. Operating a drone involves a delicate

Does your Drone Launch Site meet the Regulations? If you are operating in the Advanced category in Canada, your takeoff and landing zone is more than just a patch of dirt—it is a regulated aviation environment. Between the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Part IX, the TC AIM, and the pilot knowledge requirements outlined in TP 15263, Transport Canada expects a level of professional oversight that mirrors traditional bush pilot or helicopter operations. To stay compliant a

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks Academy, 09 May 26 Welcome to this week’s roundup of the most significant developments in the drone industry. From global market shifts to critical regulatory updates in North America, the first week of May has proven that 2026 is the year of operational maturity and the rise of the "Drone Economy." Global: The $147 Billion Horizon The global drone market continues its aggressive ascent, with new industry forecasts projecting th

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks Academy, 04 May 26 It’s a common sight on drone forums and social media groups: a new Transport Canada (TC) update drops, and the comments section immediately catches fire. Phrases like "bureaucratic overreach," "money grab," and "killing the industry" dominate the feed. To the solo pilot or small business owner, it can certainly feel that way. You just want to fly, but instead, you're hit with new exam requirements, Level 1 Com

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks Academy, 04 May 26 You’ve got your RPAS Pilot Certificate. You’ve bookmarked CARs Part IX on your laptop. You know your distances from bystanders and your maximum altitudes. You’re good to go, right? Not exactly. If you haven’t cracked open the TC AIM-RPAS lately, you’re essentially trying to drive a car knowing the laws of the road but without ever looking at the "Driver’s Handbook" that explains how the intersections actually

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks academy, 03 May 26 In the Canadian drone industry, the legal distinction between an "occurrence," an "incident," and an "accident" is a regulatory mandate. With the latest updates to TC AIM-RPAS 3.2.37 and the implementation of Level 1 Complex (L1C) regulations, staying compliant means knowing exactly what must be reported—and to whom. 1. Defining the Terms: Incident vs. Accident The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) Regulatio

By Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks Academy, 03 May 26 The drone industry continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, with this past week (April 27 – May 3, 2026) marking a significant intersection between consumer tech launches and major regulatory shifts. From new hardware reveals to national security maneuvers, the "Drone Universe" is increasingly focused on operational readiness and domestic sovereignty. Global Review: The Hardware Push The biggest global headline

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks Academy, 01 May 26 In the world of professional aviation, there is a saying: "Amateurs practice until they get it right; professionals practice until they can’t get it wrong." At the heart of that professional standard is the humble checklist. To the uninitiated, it might look like a simple piece of paper. But to a seasoned pilot, a drone checklist is a life-saving, gear-protecting, and legal-shielding document that separates a