Built on experience,
not just theory
48.4284° N, 123.3656° W
REAL OPERATORS. REAL TRAINING.
transport canada approved
2014
In the beginning, then-coworkers and soon-to-be best friends Richard and Robert were working summers as wildland firefighters. Struck by the idea that drones could change the way information is collected on the fireline, they shook hands, took a risk on new technology, and founded Hummingbird Drones.
2016
Those first years were lean. To keep the lights on, they took an opportunity to teach a drone class in a small community in northern British Columbia. Already leaders in the drone industry but without any teaching experience, they cobbled together the material and got in front of a classroom. The class was a hit. Richard discovered a passion for teaching, and they made training a permanent part of Hummingbird's services.
2019
The drone world was changing, and as Transport Canada moved to bring in a formal licensing system for drone pilots, Richard and Robert worried that this might be the end of their semi-regular training courses. In fact, the opposite happened - an increase in regulation led to big organizations taking drones seriously, and business boomed. Hummingbird hired their first outside instructor, Jon Wilson.
2022
FlySmart was born to address the growing need for professional drone training and to set the courses apart from Hummingbird's other drone services. The name change marked a shift from side offering to dedicated training division.
2025
Today
What started as two firefighters with a handshake is now the country's leading drone training operation.
// Meet the Team
// Lead Instructor
Kora Vanderlip
With her private pilots license, Kora’s journey to becoming a flight instructor with FlySmart started in the cockpit of an airplane. With the knowledge gained from flying planes, Kora brings in-depth knowledge of traditional aviation to the new and exciting world of drones - empowering FlySmart’s training material, instruction and student interaction with wisdom and depth that is hard to find. You can expect to find Kora on film-sets, in the air, and if you’re lucky -
as your instructor.
// Instructor - southern region
jon wilson
With a background in emergency management, Jon’s passion for training new RPAS users is glimpsed through his students’ extraordinary first attempt pass rate when sitting for Transport Canada’s Advanced Pilot Certification exam. Specializing in local government program coordination and emergency response operations, Jon connects the dots for enthusiasts and professionals alike when it comes to identifying how to use drones safely and effectively.
// Instructor - Western region
Cory Lee
Cory brings nearly three decades of aviation training expertise to the RPAS community. With the depth of experience of a commercial pilot, air traffic specialist, and advanced drone pilot, Cory brings his extensive understanding of the aviation industry to the classroom. His informed and comprehensive training approach ensures FlySmart students receive the highest quality RPAS training available. With a commitment to excellence, Cory has established himself as a trusted aviation authority and an ideal instructor to help you realize your training goals!
// Instructor - Northern region
Robert Blain
Robert has over 30 years of technology experience in various industries as well as time spent teaching in the BC College system. Robert has been an active first responder for many years, his experience working in emergency response and emergency management provides him with enhanced insights and appreciation of public safety. Robert recently retired from managing a 2-person team responsible for all technology-related activities for the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality. He was also responsible for managing the Municipalities' drone program and has been flying drones for over 10 years.
// Director of SAR & Special Operations
Brandyn Steele
Drone pilot since 2016 and Search & Rescue specialist with five years of ground SAR experience across British Columbia. Advanced RPAS certified in 2019, he now serves as Director of SAR and Special Operations at Hummingbird Drones and lead instructor for FlySmart’s Search & Rescue Drone Technician program, which he helped build. He designs and delivers national training for SAR teams, fire departments, and police agencies, focused on aerial search tactics, thermal imaging, crew coordination, and folding RPAS into life-critical missions. His work brings frontline emergency response experience to every program, strengthening decision-making when it matters most.
// operations manager
Nico Torchia
Over four years as an RPAS operator, crew leader, and project manager on emergency response missions across Canada — Search and Rescue, wildfires, flood incidents. Holds a Transport Canada Level 1 Complex RPAS certificate and FAA Part 107 license, with 2,000+ flights and 450+ recorded flight hours. Brings hands-on operational experience to FlySmart's training, especially around LiDAR, photogrammetry, and complex mission planning.
// professional operator
Cameron Logan
Cam has been a professional operator since 2020, with specialized experience in RPAS-based aerial ignition, LiDAR data collection, and drone operations training. Skilled in supporting complex field operations, managing mission planning and execution, and helping teams safely and effectively use RPAS technology in all industries.
// Instructor
Noah Bodman
Since 2021, Noah has conducted drone operations across Canada, logging over 400 flight hours in a variety of complex field environments. His experience includes LiDAR operations, search and rescue support, RPAS training, and flight reviews as an instructor.
