The Next Frontier of Flight Safety: KR Droneworks Launches the KRDW Academy

By: Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks Academy, 10 Feb 26

The Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) industry is moving faster than ever. We have shifted from simple recreational use to high-stakes Level 1 Complex operations and BVLOS missions. In this rapidly evolving landscape, the difference between a "pilot" and a "professional aviator" comes down to one thing: the quality of their education.

For years, KR Droneworks has been a trusted name in the industry. Today, we are taking a significant step forward in our mission to elevate industry standards. We are proud to announce the launch of the KR Droneworks Academy (KRDW-A) — a dedicated educational addition designed to enhance drone flight safety through advanced training and elite strategic affiliations.

Strengthening the Core: Why an Academy?

KR Droneworks remains our lead company, continuing to provide the top-tier operational support and services our clients rely on. However, we recognized that to truly serve the next generation of aviators, we needed a specialized hub for learning.

The Academy is not a replacement, but an enhancement. It brings a formal "cockpit-to-console" learning ecosystem to our portfolio, ensuring that every pilot we touch is equipped with the airmanship required for the complexities of modern flight.

The Philosophy: Cockpit-to-Console

At KR Droneworks, we believe the RPAS console is a modern cockpit. Our Academy philosophy treats drone flight with the same discipline as manned aviation. By moving beyond proprietary product silos, the Academy curates a "best-of-breed" environment. We don't just teach you how to fly a specific drone; we teach you how to manage a mission, lead a crew, and mitigate risk in a professional environment.

Mission-Critical Education

The Academy’s mission is integrated into the DNA of KR Droneworks: To equip pilots with the comprehensive skills needed to excel in the commercial drone industry, guided by a steadfast commitment to integrity, community welfare, and professional excellence.

We focus on three vital areas:

1. Safety as a Foundation: Utilizing field-tested checklists modeled after military protocols to ensure safety is an instinctive habit, not an afterthought.

2. Veteran and First Responder Pipelines: Providing a structured pathway for those with a background in service to transition their skills into the RPAS sector, utilizing specialized support like VAC funding.

3. Elite Training Tracks: From GSAR Thermal Imagery to Visual Observer training, we provide the specialized knowledge required for Level 1 Complex operations.

Powering Safety Through Strategic Affiliations

A cornerstone of the KR Droneworks Academy is our belief in collaborative excellence. We have partnered with industry leaders to ensure our curriculum is unmatched in its depth and practical application. By bringing Veteran Elite Drone Training Services (VEdTS) and 3D Airmanship into our ecosystem, we offer a training roadmap that is truly comprehensive.

Veteran Elite Drone Training Services (VEdTS)

Led by Col (Ret’d) Michel Latouche, VEdTS provides the foundational excellence our students need. Through this affiliation, the Academy offers a direct pipeline to elite Ground School and Transport Canada certification. It ensures our students meet the highest regulatory standards before they ever take to the skies for complex missions.

3D Airmanship

Headed by Maj (Ret’d) David Cooke OMM, 3D Airmanship focuses on the "Human Factor." By integrating the 3D Framework (Disciplined, Decisive, Deliberate) and "Viper 7" mentorship, we train our pilots to have a high Adversity Quotient (AQ). In the world of professional aviation, technical skills get you off the ground, but airmanship brings you home safely when things get difficult.

Looking Toward the Future

The addition of the Academy marks a new chapter for KR Droneworks. We are doubling down on our commitment to the drone community by providing a non-restrictive, high-standard environment where safety and education lead the way.

We invite you to see how the Academy is enhancing the KR Droneworks experience. Explore our new training tracks and see the future of professional airmanship at: www.kr-droneworks.com/krdw-academy

At KR Droneworks Academy, we aren't just flying drones—we are building the future of aviation, one professional pilot at a time.

To reach us, email: kr.droneworks@gmail.com