Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Aerial Evolution THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AERIAL EVOLUTION ASSOCIATION OF CANADA SPRING 2025, ISSUE #1 Magazine AGRICULTURE FIRST RESPONSE CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION FORESTRY OIL & GAS ENERGY MINING & RESOURCE EXPLORATIONAerial Evolution Magazine | 5 Contents GREETINGS 07 A Message from the Chair of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada MARK YOUR CALENDARS 09 Aerial Evolution 2025 Student UAS Competition: Wildfire Detect-and-Respond System Challenge FEATURE STORIES 10 ISO 21384-3: The Path to Sustainable Growth in Our Industry 13 Improving Oil / Gas Well and Underground Infrastructure Detection with RPAS 15 How Drones Are Shaping the Future of Farming 18 An Overview of Canadian Drone Regulations and Upcoming BVLOS Opportunities 23 MEMBER SPOTLIGHTS 25 WHAT MEMBERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE AERIAL EVOLUTION ASSOCIATION OF CANADA 26 INDEX TO ADVERTISERS Published For: AERIAL EVOLUTION ASSOCIATION OF CANADA Tel.: (613) 526-5487 admin@aerialevolution.ca | www.aerialevolution.ca To update your mailing details, email admin@aerialevolution.ca. Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Return all undeliverable addresses to: 309 Youville Street Winnipeg, Manitoba R2H 2S9 Tel: (866) 999-1299 sales@matrixgroupinc.net | www.matrixgroupinc.net Canada Post Mail Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 President & CEO Jack Andress Operations Manager Shoshana Weinberg sweinberg@matrixgroupinc.net Senior Publisher Jessica Potter jpotter@matrixgroupinc.net Publishers Julie Welsh, Christine Scarisbrick Editor-in-Chief Shannon Savory ssavory@matrixgroupinc.net Editors/Writers/Social Media Managers Jenna Collignon, Paul Adair, Kaitlin Vitt Finance/Administration Lloyd Weinberg, Nathan Redekop accounting@matrixgroupinc.net Director of Circulation & Distribution Lloyd Weinberg distribution@matrixgroupinc.net Sales Manager Jeff Cash Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Account Executives Colleen Bell, Jackie Casburn, Chandler Cousins, Rich Cowan, Helaina Van Dommelen, Rob Gibson, Jim Hamilton, Scott Hendren, Frank Kenyeres, Sandra Kirby, Andrew Lee, Brian MacIntyre, Chad Morris, Lynn Murphy, Wilma Gray-Rose, Monique Simons, Joseph Ukaoha Advertising Design James Robinson Layout & Design Cody Chomiak ©2025 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Printed in Canada. SPRING 2025, ISSUE #1Aerial Evolution Magazine | 7 equity, and inclusion through dedicated committees like Women in Drones and Indigenous Initiatives, ensuring the industry reflects the rich fabric of Canada’s communities. Go to membership@aerialevolution.ca to join AEAC today and become part of this transformative journey. Together, we can harness the power of drone technology to drive innovation, foster sustainability, and ensure Canada’s leadership in the global aerospace industry. Land acknowledgment The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada acknowledges that our work spans many traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples across the nation. We are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers, the ancestors who came before us, and the youth from all Nations who inspire us to pave a shared path toward Reconciliation. About AEAC AEAC is the nation’s premier industry association dedicated to advancing the commercial drone and RPAS technology sector. With a legacy of over two decades, AEAC – formerly known as Unmanned Vehicle Systems Canada and Unmanned Systems Canada – has been at the forefront of supporting and advocating for RPAS innovation, both domestically and on the global stage. AEAC represents a dynamic and growing community of industry leaders, researchers, educators, and innovators committed to shaping the future of RPAS technology in Canada. Our members span the spectrum of commercial drone use, from agriculture and infrastructure to emergency response and environmental conservation. Together, we work to ensure that Canada remains a global leader in aerospace innovation, sustainability, and safety. At AEAC, we advocate for policies that support the responsible integration of drone technology into various industries, fostering innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness. Through our quar- terly meetings with Transport Canada, our members have direct access to regulators, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping policies that directly impact their business operations. We also provide unparalleled networking opportunities through events like Canada’s only national drone confer- ence, where members engage face-to-face with government officials, regulators, indus- try leaders, and future collaborators. We are proud to support the next generation of innovators through initiatives like the annual Student UAS Competition, connecting members with top talent from leading Canadian universities and colleges. In addition, AEAC champions diversity, Jordan Cicoria Chair, AEAC GREETINGS A Message from the Chair W elcome to the inaugural issue of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada’s (AEAC) national commercial drone magazine. As Chair, I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone, which reflects the relentless innovation and vision within our community. This publication marks a new chapter in our mission to support and advance the remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) industry in Canada. AEAC ensures Canada’s RPAS industry leads in safety, innovation, and sustainability. Through our advocacy efforts, we work closely with regulators to establish policies conducive to safe and effective drone operations. By fostering connections among members, we create an ecosystem where ideas and partnerships thrive. This magazine showcases the incredible work being done by our members and partners. From startups pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to seasoned professionals setting new standards, the stories within these pages are a testament to the power of community and collaboration. This issue also highlights stories of ingenuity and resilience, showcasing our association’s role as a hub for advancing innovation. Together, we’re shaping a future where RPAS technology drives economic growth and environmental stewardship. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’ll continue to unlock the full potential of RPAS technology for Canada and beyond.8 | www.aerialevolution.caAerial Evolution Magazine | 9 A erial Evolution Canada is proud to present the 16th Annual National Student UAS Competition, a pivotal event propelling Canada to global leadership in autonomous aerial systems technologies. For 15 years, this event has been a beacon for developing Canadian expertise at the academic level. This event is more than a contest; it’s where students from coast- to-coast tackle real-world challenges, refine teamwork, and develop innovative solutions that will define the future of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) sector on a global scale. Protecting Lives, Advancing Technology, Pioneering Autonomous Systems for Wildfire Response University and college teams from across Canada are called to action as industry innovators, tasked with conceptualizing, designing, and demonstrating a sub-scale prototype of a cutting-edge wildfire detection and response system. Competing in a simulated fire watch training environment, these UAS prototypes will be evaluated on their ability to detect fire hotspots, conduct rapid environmental assessments, and deliver targeted water transport to extinguish fires – all while navigating the complex and dynamic conditions of a wildfire scenario. This year’s competition represents a pivotal advance in the application of drone technology, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automated first response systems. The teams that rise to this challenge will not only showcase their technical prowess but also contribute to a safer and more resilient future for all. MARK YOUR CALENDARS Aerial Evolution 2025 Student UAS Competition: AEAC Student UAS Competition: ‘Where Teamwork Meets Technology: Empowering the Next Generation of Drone Pioneers’. Photo courtesy of AEAC. Wildfire Detect-and-Respond System Challenge Happening May 9-11, 2025 | Medicine Hat, Alberta | The Len Young Memorial Airfield To learn about the many sponsorship opportunities and to support this competition, please contact declan@aerialevolution.ca. Athabasca University – Autonomous Aerial Systems (AUAAS) British Columbia Institute of Technology – BCITRPAS Carleton University – Blackbird École de technologie supérieure – ETS DronoLab McGill University – McGill Drones and Vertical Flight Society Memorial University – Valient Aerotech Montreal Polytechnique – Zenith Queens University – Queen’s Aero Design Team Toronto Metropolitan University – TMAV Université de Sherbrooke – VANMUdeS University of Alberta – UAARG University of Calgary – SmartWings University of British Columbia – UBCUAS University of British Columbia Okanagan – Aerial Robotics & Rocketry Club University of Guelph – Gryphon Aerospace University of Manitoba – UMUAS University of Toronto – UTAT University of Victoria – UVicAero University of Waterloo – WARG There are 19 Registered Teams for 2025: Next >