Veterans Elite Drone Training Services

Bernie retired from the RCAF in 2013 after 34 years of experience as a pilot. with both the Regular and Reserve forces. He retired from the Canadian Armed Forces as the Director, RCAF Air Reserve. In early 2022 he obtained his Advanced RPAS Pilot Certificate. Shortly thereafter Bernie founded his own drone support company, KR Droneworks. His company will be supplying the RPAS checklists for VEdTS course.

Greg is a former RCAF pilot licensed to fly Rotary Wing, Fixed Wing and Unmanned aircraft.  He is an enthusiastic aviator who enjoys teaching and talking about aircraft. His goal is to expand the envelope in the unmanned domain, the new frontier of aviation. He lives in Kemptville Ontario and runs his own Drone Services Company, Aerospace Consulting Company and works part time as a Test Pilot Instructor at the International Test Pilots School.

Greg is a retired RCAF Officer serving 27 years in the regular Air Force as an Aerospace

Engineer (AERE) and another 6 years in the supplementary reserves. He is a licensed

Professional Engineer with a background in both Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and in addition to holding an advanced level RPAS pilot certificate, he holds private pilot licenses

under both Transport Canada and the FAA. Greg also sits as a member of the Board of

Governors for the Ontario Provincial Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada and is

currently the Chairperson for the Aviation Committee which supports the Air Cadet Gliding

Program. Greg and his wife Debbie, who is also a Veteran, reside in Midhurst Ontario.

A veteran of the National Defence Fire Services for 34 years. Stationed at CFB Uplands, 19Wg Comox, 8WG Trenton, HAMJCS Margaree, Nipigon and Toronto and in the training environment at CFB Borden. I have finished my career with Kingston Fire and Rescue as a Training Officer. During this time I started on my drone operations in 2015 with a Phantom II and progressed from there to more updated drones and operations. I obtained my Advanced Licence in 2017, and my flight reviewer certifications in 2019. I have been promoting drone operations for emergency services and how to utilize these tools to assist in emergency situations.

Terry served 23 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Non-Commissioned Member and Officer. Now retired in East Ship Harbour, NS, he runs two part-time businesses, Ship Harbour Woodcraft and Nomadic Drone Media. A drone pilot since 2013, he has instructed VEdTS courses and completed multiple mapping/modeling missions, including an 84-hectare commercial project. His services include aerial photography/videography, thermal pet search and rescue, and infrastructure soft washing. He also developed a fire-fighting drone training program, launching in 2025.

Justin served with the Canadian Armed Forces for 21 years as a Boatswain in the Royal Canadian Navy and an Imagery Technician in the Royal Canadian Air Force.  Deployed overseas on OP APOLLO, OP CARIBBE, OP ALTAIR and OP IMPACT. Started flying drones in January 2023, Certified as an Advanced Drone Pilot in August 2023; Certified as an Instructor and Flight Reviewer in April 2024. Currently residing in Airdrie, AB with his fiancée Binu, 20-year-old daughter Elise and two dogs; Charlie and Patches.

Stephen "Steve" Bannister, started Interlake Drone Services in 2020 focusing on aerial imagery and drone training. He holds an sRPAS Advanced Pilot Certificate and has special permissions for BVLOS surveillance activities. As a retired Air Force officer with over 7,800 flight hours, Steve also contributes to the drone community as a member of the Drone Pilot Association of Canada and as a flight instructor and reviewer.

Chris MacGillivray, a retired Military Policeman with 30 years of service, entered the drone business approximately four years ago. He has completed both Basic and Advanced Drone Pilots Courses, along with Flight Reviewer Certification and an Advanced Instructor Course. With 195 logged flight hours, Chris has instructed several courses and undertaken local real estate projects. Observing the exponential growth of the drone industry, he is eager to meet new people and share the joy of flying drones.

Mark Palman, a retired Master Warrant Officer, served 28 years in the Canadian Forces as an Air Defense Tech. He saw deployment in Bahrain during the Gulf War and later in Afghanistan with the 963rd AWACS Squadron. Post-military, he worked for 18 years as a Safety and Emergency Management Specialist with a major Canadian oil and gas energy company in Cold Lake, before retiring in Okotoks. His leisure activities include flying a Cessna 172 and operating remote-controlled aircraft and drones. Achievements include earning a Private Pilot’s License and a Canadian Registered Safety Professional Designation.

Cam, with over three decades in municipal and federal policing, led major security operations in Canada, including the 2023 Biden visit and the 2010 Olympics. He was the airspace security commander for a multi-agency, multi-national effort, earning accolades including a letter from President Obama. Post-retirement from the RCMP in 2018, he oversaw safety and security at the Great Canadian Railtour Company. With a Master’s degree in Leadership and extensive experience in emergency management, Cam has also been a sessional instructor at the Justice Institute of British Columbia. His research on post-trauma leadership has been widely published. He now lives in Hamilton, Ontario, engaging in writing, painting, and reading.

Jean-Pierre (Jeep) Régnier has over 40 years of experience in aviation. This includes four years as an Air Cadet, 27 years as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and seven years as an accident investigator with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. JP gained significant flight experience operating CH-124 Sea King and Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopters. He ventured into drone flying in 2021, received his Pilot Certificate - Advanced Operations in 2022, and became a flight reviewer in 2023. Passionate about aviation, flying, and anything capable of hovering, JP eagerly anticipates sharing his flying experiences with others.

Hugh Tull brings a multifaceted skill set to the world of visual storytelling, with an impressive array of experiences. He served as a dedicated combat engineer for a combined 18 years, expertly navigating challenging environments with precision. Between his two enlistment periods, he spent a decade as a Deputy Sheriff, ensuring the safety of communities and court systems. Upon retiring from the CAF, Hugh embarked on an eight-year journey as both a Fashion, Beauty, and Portrait Photographer and a Unit Photographer in the film industry. There, he captured moments of both beauty and intensity and continues to work in this field. Expanding his repertoire, Hugh ventured into the drone industry, specializing in Construction Photogrammetry, Orthomosaic Mapping, Search and Rescue, and Disaster Response, while also instructing others. This unique blend of experiences allows him to offer a comprehensive approach to his craft.

Eli served over 45 years in the Canadian Armed Forces as a Military Policeman. He deployed twice with the United Nations to the Middle East and served with NATO in both Germany and Belgium as well as several Bases in Canada and Puerto Rico. He has completed both Basic and Advanced Drone Pilot Courses along with Flight Review Certification and Advance Instructor Courses. He is also certified to conduct Restricted Operator Certificate - Aeronautical qualification (ROC-A) examinations on behalf of Innovations, Science and Economic Development Canada.  Eli looks forward to helping Veterans get involved in the ever-expanding drone Industry. 

David was raised in Québec’s apple country and has a diverse background which includes 13 years in research and biotechnology, 12 years in commercial aviation, 5 years in film and television, 5 years in real estate and 13 years in management in the hospitality sector. He joins the VEdTS instructor team with great enthusiasm for the growing industry.

Troy is a retired Chief Warrant Officer from the Royal Canadian Air Force where he began his career as an 

aircraft technician.  He has an extensive operational background with deployed experience, and he has a 

keen interest in this evolving and growing industry.  He thoroughly enjoys teaching and sharing his 

experiences as each opportunity provides him with an occasion to deepen his passion for aviation.  He 

runs his own Drone Services company and lives in Kemptville Ontario. 

Justin Brown, born in central Newfoundland, joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1993 as a Naval Electronic Technician Communications and served for 22 years. His career primarily unfolded on the east coast, aboard various HMCS ships and at shore units, including HMCS Gatineau, HMCS Preserver, HMCS Fredericton, HMCS St. John’s, and HMCS Halifax. In 2009, he deployed to Afghanistan as Canada's first electronic analyst for Improvised Explosive Devices, eventually becoming one of Canada's foremost experts in the field. Drawn to the VEdTS programs, Justin swiftly achieved his goal of becoming an instructor. Currently residing in Glenwood, Newfoundland, he is happily married with four children and is keen on advancing his training in the drone industry.

Patrick Hintz is a veteran pilot with 25 years of experience in the Canadian Armed Forces, where he piloted aircraft including the T-33, CT114, and CF5. Prior to his service in the CAF, he was a commercial helicopter pilot operating out of "The Muni" (Edmonton Municipal Airport). He began flying drones in spring 2023 under the instruction of Michel L. By fall 2023, Patrick had received his instructor and Transport Canada reviewer status, conducting flight reviews across locations from Calgary to Winnipeg. He enjoys the drone community and sees significant potential in its future.

Nicolas is a dedicated Aerospace Engineer Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), serving since 2007. His career has been mostly with the CF188 Hornet, including a specialization as a Flight Test Engineer. In this role, Nicolas has played a critical part in flight testing cutting-edge equipment and innovative technologies, ensuring their integration and operational readiness within the CAF. Nicolas has also developed a strong passion for drone piloting since 2021. Driven by a desire to share his knowledge and experience, Nicolas has become an active instructor and flight reviewer, helping others improve their piloting techniques and fostering the growth of the drone community.

Mike is a retired Master Warrant Officer from the Royal Canadian Air Force, where he began his career as a Safety Systems Technician. He entered the drone world approximately 2 years ago. He quickly became an RPAS Instructor and ROC-A Examiner for VEdTS during the 2024 season.  Mike’s other drone endeavors include working with local realtors and volunteering with the Miramichi Ground Search Rescue as a searcher, Drone Operator, and NB Training officer. He lives just outside Miramichi NB.

John Bergen brings over 40 years of diverse military aviation and instructional experience to VEDTS. He began his military career as an Infantryman before transitioning to roles as an Aero Engine Technician and AVN Technician, ultimately serving as a Flight Engineer on Griffon Helicopters in the Canadian Armed Forces. As an Instructor Flight Engineer, Chief Instructor, and Flight Safety NCM, he played a key role in training and operations. He holds a Certificate in Adult Education and has extensive teaching experience in both military and civilian aviation, including as an academic coordinator at Red River College and subject matter expert in aircraft maintenance and operations. A licensed pilot and experienced skydiving coach, John is also Vice President of FMAC and an active MAAC member, promoting aero modeling, safe flight practices, and mentorship in model aviation.

Master Warrant Officer (Retired) John Bentley served over 42 years with the 3rd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and the Royal Canadian Air Force as an AMSUP. His career included multiple peacekeeping tours overseas, a deployment to Turkey during the Gulf War, and a role as SWO at CFS Alert. Now happily retired with his better half, Terri, and their two beloved “kids” (cats), John spends his time assisting at the Legion, teaching drone flight with the great team at VEdTS, and caring for family.

Nick "Diz" Lisney served for over 32 years in the RCAF as an Air Navigator flying as a TACCO on the venerable CH124 Sea King. Upon retirement, he worked as a civilian instructor for NORAD at the Canadian NORAD Region Headquarters in Winnipeg. He became an advanced drone pilot and flight reviewer in 2024, and was responsible for creating and conducting the initial Advanced Drone Pilot Course for VEdTS. Nick currently resides in Winnipeg.

Blaine is a Canadian Army and Air Force veteran and has always been interested in the potential for UAS to revolutionize society and, especially, warfare. Now retired, he picks up odd jobs flying wind turbine inspections while battling the southern Alberta winds. In his spare time you will find him gardening, doing yoga, and chilling with his cat and wonderful wife.