By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 02 Jan 26 The evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a transformative journey, profoundly impacting various technological domains, with drones being a prime example. From early theoretical concepts to sophisticated learning algorithms, AI's progression has reshaped how drones are designed, developed, and utilized. The Dawn of AI and Early Drone Integration Early AI focused on symbolic reasoning and expert systems, w

As the Canadian drone industry reaches new heights with the 2025 expansion of Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS)  and Level 1 Complex Operations , the regulatory landscape has shifted. To fly under these new rules, an organization must transition from case-by-case approvals to a systemic RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) . KR Droneworks  provides a comprehensive suite of generic manuals designed to fast-track your application, ensuring you meet Transport Canada’s rigorous req

By: colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 01 Jan 2026 As we enter 2026, the drone industry is no longer a "nascent" market of hobbyist toys and experimental gadgets. It has matured into a sophisticated pillar of the global industrial ecosystem. In Canada, this evolution is specifically marked by a monumental regulatory shift that went into effect late in 2025, setting the stage for 2026 to be the "Year of Scalability." This article explores the dominant global and Cana

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 31 Dec 25 As the geopolitical landscape shifts and technological sovereignty becomes a focal point of North American security policy, the "DJI Ban" in the United States has transitioned from a looming threat to a regulatory reality. For Canadian commercial drone pilots—many of whom operate a fleet dominated by DJI technology and frequently cross the border for lucrative contracts in the U.S.—this shift is seismic. While Canada

By Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 31 Dec 25 The persistent hum of a drone overhead is no longer just a sound of curiosity; it is rapidly becoming the soundtrack of modern public safety. From the high-tech urban corridors of Tokyo to the unforgiving peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are fundamentally altering the landscape of emergency response. What was once a military-grade luxury is now a standard-issue tool for first responders, o

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 30 Dec 25 The hum of a drone overhead, once a rare curiosity, is rapidly becoming a familiar soundtrack of modern life. From delivering packages to inspecting infrastructure and even assisting in search and rescue operations, drones are poised to revolutionize countless industries. Yet, as these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) transition from individual novelties to ubiquitous commercial fleets, a monumental challenge emerges:

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 30 Dec 25 The narrative of drone technology has shifted from "novelty" to "necessity." As we cross the midpoint of the 2020s, drones are no longer just flying cameras; they are mobile sensor platforms, edge-computing hubs, and autonomous logistics agents. Their integration is creating a more "proactive" rather than "reactive" industrial world. Agriculture: From Precision to Autonomy While early drone use in farming focused on s

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 29 Dec 25 Drones have revolutionized various industries, offering unprecedented aerial perspectives and capabilities. However, their operational time and range are often limited by battery life. Enter the tethered drone: a fascinating solution that marries the flexibility of a UAV with the extended endurance of a ground-based power source. What are Tethered Drones? Tethered drones, also known as wired drones or power-over-tethe

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 28 Dec 2025, As Inspired by: Dudey Venkata Haranath, ISTQB® RPI® RPC® QCI-CSUAS® CSM® Linkedin Article - The Future of Drones: From Flying Cameras to Autonomous Decision-Makers! In the early days of commercial UAVs, we treated drones like flying GoPros. We sent them up to grab a photo of a roof or a cell tower, brought them down, and called it a day. But as industry experts like Dudey Venkata Haranath have observed, we are ent

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 24 December 25 As of December 23, 2025 , the landscape of American aviation has undergone a seismic shift. Following a year-long security audit triggered by Section 1709 of the FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) , the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  has officially added new equipment from major foreign drone manufacturers—most notably DJI  and Autel Robotics —to its "Covered List." This move effectively h

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 23 Dec 25 If you want to operate drones commercially in Canada, you need to get certified. Certification ensures you understand the rules and can fly safely. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a certified drone pilot in Canada. It covers the requirements, the process, costs, and tips to help you succeed. Understanding the Canadian Drone Certification Guide Transport Canada regulates drone operations in Canada

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 22 Dec 25 In the world of professional aviation, there is a somber saying: "Checklists are written in blood." Whether it is a commercial airliner or a military jet, every procedure in a pilot's handbook exists because human memory is the weakest link in a complex system. As drone technology advances, the line between "toy" and "aircraft" has blurred into extinction. Modern Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are sophistica

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 23 Dec 25 The Global Drone Universe 1. The "DJI Ban" Becomes Reality The biggest news of the week—and perhaps the year—dropped on December 22, 2025 . The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) officially added foreign-made drones and their critical components to its "Covered List." The Impact:  This effectively bans the import and sale of new models from Chinese manufacturers like DJI  and Autel  in the United States. The

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 22 Dec 25 The drone industry is entering its most significant period of hardware and software integration to date. For pilots in the UK—and those watching from Canada—2026 is the starting line for a major regulatory overhaul. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is replacing simple weight categories with a sophisticated Class Marking  and Direct Remote ID (RID)  framework. While these rules are UK-specific, they provide a road

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 19 Dec 2025 If you have ever looked up at a drone buzzing overhead and thought, "Can I actually make a living doing that?" you are not alone. For a long time, the answer was a hesitant "maybe," reserved for a few niche photographers. But in 2025? The answer is a resounding YES. The Canadian drone industry has matured from a "cool gadget" phase into a critical industrial tool. You are not just destined to film weddings (unless y

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 19 Dec 25 If you fly a drone in Canada—whether for commercial inspections, filming, or advanced BVLOS operations—you need to keep your eyes on the horizon. While most of the chatter regarding airspace regulations usually comes from Transport Canada, a new study by NAV CANADA  could fundamentally reshape the low-level airspace we share with manned aviation. NAV CANADA is currently conducting its Level of Service Study (2025 Nati

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 19 Dec 25 Transitioning from military service to civilian life is about finding a new mission—one that leverages your discipline, technical aptitude, and precision. One of the most exciting and rapidly growing industries for Canadian Veterans today is the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)  sector. Whether you want to fly commercially in urban environments or take on complex missions like Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLO

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 19 Dec 2025 Your journey to becoming a professional drone pilot in Canada has likely led you to a confusing intersection of terminology: Advanced Operations  vs. Level 1 Complex Operations . While they sound similar, they are two distinct tiers of certification with different study paths, exam requirements, and Transport Canada (TC) publications (TPs). This guide clears up the confusion, breaks down exactly what you need to stu

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, 18 Dec 25 [Your Name/Organization] There is a dangerous paradox in the modern drone industry. You can walk into a big-box store, buy a high-performance aircraft for a few hundred dollars, and fly it with an interface that looks like a video game. It feels like play. But when we view a 25kg aircraft—or even a sub-250g micro-drone—through a "Toy Filter," we invite disaster. We start to view safety procedures as "overkill" and che

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks, December 17, 2025 Introduction We are writing today to share a significant update directly from the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC). Transport Canada has officially announced that the Third Edition of Annex 19 – Safety Management  has been adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council. For the broader aviation community, this is a procedural update. However, for Canadian RPAS pilo