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COPA, AEAC agreement to develop drone sector in Canada
February 2, 2022 By UAV Canada Staff
The Canadian Owners and Pilots Association signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada to conduct joint activities for fostering the development and safe integration of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), drones, in Canadian airspace.
With more than 15,000 members, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) represents Canada’s largest aviation association. In spring 2021, COPA expanded its mandate to include RPAS operators and has since launched new programs, scholarship opportunities, and training dedicated to supporting RPAS pilots.
The Aerial Evolution Association of Canada (AEAC) is a Canadian-registered not-for-profit association founded in 2003 as a national industry association representing entrepreneurs, businesses, students, academia, industry, and government organizations working in the aerial and RPAS sector.
“We are excited to take this important step with AEAC which provides an opportunity to leverage the resources, strengths and talent of both associations,” says Christine Gervais, President and CEO of COPA. “The scope of RPAS operations in Canada continues to evolve at a rapid rate, and this partnership reinforces our two association’s shared commitment to safety and protecting all pilots’ freedom to fly.”
The Memorandum of Understanding, explain COPA and AEAC, will facilitate efforts by both organizations achieve mutual goals and leverage resources for sharing information and for planning, developing and implementing RPAS services that positively impact the aviation sector.
“This new national agreement is expected to unlock strategic opportunities for collaboration between our two associations, says Michael Cohen, Chair of the Board of Directors – Aerial Evolution Association of Canada. “Under the terms of the MOU, COPA and AEAC will work together to share best practices and introduce new and important resources to the growing remotely piloted aircraft community.”
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