Webinar | Engineering Opportunities in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems
Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), more commonly known as "drones," are rapidly becoming essential across engineering disciplines. But they’re not just tools! They’re part of an ecosystem that is ripe for design, building, and innovation. This session introduces engineers to the role of drones in modern engineering practice, from operations like site monitoring and inspection to environmental sensing and infrastructure mapping. We’ll also explore the Canadian drone manufacturing ecosystem, the engineering challenges behind building reliable aerial platforms, and how to fly legally under Transport Canada’s certification framework, including the new Level 1 Complex category. You’ll leave with insight into our Canadian drone regulatory framework, and how drones can complement or expand your work.
This session is presented by leaders and subject matter experts from Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC). Learn how you can be a part of Canada’s leading drone and advanced air mobility event, hosted by AEAC, happening this November in Edmonton.
This event is brought to you by the Medicine Hat Branch—everyone is welcome to attend.
For any questions about this event, please contact [email protected].
About the Presenters
Declan Sweeney is the executive director of Aerial Evolution Association of Canada. He is recognized as a champion and veteran of Canada’s unmanned systems industry, having been involved in the commercial sector in many senior leadership roles in both the private and public arenas. Declan began volunteering in 2008 with the association that would become AEAC and has succeeded in roles on the board of directors, strategic and regulatory committees, as the vice chair of strategy, as well as organizing and running the civil/commercial workshops for national annual industry conference. In 2016, Declan received the Pip Rudkin Individual Achievement Award for over a decade of contributions that helped to establish and grow the unmanned vehicle sector across Canada.
Kate Klassen is a leading figure in Canada’s drone industry and holds a Level 1 Complex RPAS Pilot Certificate with Flight Reviewer qualification. She has been flying drones professionally since 2014 and currently serves as the training and regulation specialist at InDro Robotics, where she leads their training division, FLYY. Kate is widely recognized for her work in advancing RPAS education and regulation, having contributed to key national initiatives including RPAS 101, the Small RPAS Knowledge Requirements, and Transport Canada’s Aeronautical Information Manual revisions. She served as the industry co-chair on Transport Canada’s Drone Advisory Committee (CanaDAC) and continues to serve on the board of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada.