01 / BUSINESS CASE
Will it deliver value?
Identify practical applications, expected benefits, costs, service demand and where drones truly improve existing operations.
Raven Drone Services · Strategic RPAS Advisory
From first flight to better operations, start with a plan.
Drone consulting and RPAS program feasibility studies for organizations exploring aerial security, inspections, emergency response, mapping and other operational uses.
Understand the opportunity. Identify the risks. Choose the right operating model.
The challenge
A drone program is more than buying a drone.
The aircraft is only one piece. A successful program also requires a clear business case, appropriately qualified people, suitable operating procedures, regulatory planning, reliable data workflows and a realistic budget.
02 / OPERATIONAL READINESS
Can we operate safely?
Review airspace, site conditions, pilot competencies, safety systems, permissions, equipment and program responsibilities.
03 / DELIVERY MODEL
Should we build or outsource?
Compare an internal team, qualified external operators or a phased hybrid model before committing significant capital.
For organizations exploring drones
New Drone Program Feasibility Study
An independent, structured assessment designed to give leadership a clear recommendation before approving equipment purchases, training costs or a new operating unit.
Operational needs & use cases
Stakeholder discovery, mission priorities, existing workflows, frequency of use and measurable outcomes for security, inspections, mapping or emergency support.
Airspace & regulatory pathways
Preliminary location and mission screening, Transport Canada operating categories, applicable authorizations, security and privacy considerations, and operational constraints.
Technology & people
Aircraft and sensor requirements, software, data management, pilot certification, training, maintenance, insurance and organizational responsibilities.
Budget, business case & roadmap
Indicative setup and recurring costs, in-house versus contracted delivery, phased deployment, key risks and a practical implementation sequence.
What you receive: A leadership-ready feasibility report with priority use cases, key constraints, comparative delivery options, indicative cost assumptions, risk register and a recommended next-step roadmap. Scope and deliverables are agreed before work begins.
Three practical pathways
The best answer isn't always an in-house drone fleet.
Raven assesses the operating model that makes the most sense for your organization—not simply the model that sells the most equipment.
Build in-house
Suitable where missions are frequent and the organization can sustain pilot capacity, supervision, compliance and ongoing equipment costs.
Outsource
Suitable for infrequent or specialist missions where a vetted service provider can deliver results without creating a new internal department.
Hybrid approach
Use internal resources for routine tasks and external specialists for complex operations, surge capacity or targeted technical work.
Where consulting can help
Practical applications across industries and communities.
Security & public safety
Site observation, incident documentation, situational awareness and integration planning with existing security teams or CCTV systems.
First Nations & Indigenous organizations
Community infrastructure, emergency-preparedness support, asset documentation and development of sustainable local operational capacity.
Municipalities & emergency management
Infrastructure reviews, situational awareness, disaster documentation and interagency operating procedures.
Industrial, construction & property groups
Repeatable inspection and mapping programs, progress tracking, thermal use cases and data workflows for asset decisions.
Operating near airports or military airspace? The feasibility review can identify location-specific constraints and potential authorization pathways. Actual flight permissions depend on the mission, aircraft, pilot qualifications, controlled airspace and the relevant authorities; a feasibility study is not flight authorization.
A straightforward engagement
From initial question to informed decision.
Discovery
Understand goals, sites, stakeholders, intended missions and success criteria.
Assessment
Evaluate regulatory, operational, workforce, technology and financial factors.
Recommendation
Present the preferred operating model, assumptions, risks and costs.
Next steps
Provide a phased roadmap, with optional assistance for implementation.
Studies are custom-scoped. A discovery conversation helps determine whether a 4–6-week feasibility study, a focused assessment, or a broader multi-site review is appropriate. The study timeframe is an estimate subject to scope and access to information.
For organizations already flying
Existing Drone Program Review & Optimization
Already have aircraft, pilots or a contracted drone provider? Raven independently reviews how your RPAS operations are performing, where risk or inefficiency may exist, and which improvements deserve priority. The objective is to strengthen the program you have—not automatically recommend more equipment.
Safety, governance & regulatory readiness
Assess program documentation, operating procedures, flight records, pilot qualifications, applicable authorizations, insurance considerations and roles. This is an advisory assessment, not a regulatory approval or certification.
Equipment, data & workflows
Review fleet fit, sensors, mission planning, processing software, deliverables, data handling and opportunities to standardize repeatable operations.
Staffing, training & vendors
Evaluate internal capacity, training gaps, subcontractor coordination, service-level expectations and opportunities for a hybrid delivery model.
Costs, KPIs & growth priorities
Identify avoidable costs, operational bottlenecks, performance measures and realistic next steps for additional locations, use cases or capabilities.
Deliverable: an executive-ready program assessment, prioritized findings and a practical improvement roadmap. Timeline and depth are agreed after discovery.
Beyond the initial report
Drone program development & ongoing advisory support
Whether a feasibility study supports launching a new program or an operational review identifies improvement opportunities, Raven can help translate recommendations into practical steps and coordinate appropriate specialists.
Program planning
Operating model, SOP planning, safety processes, recordkeeping, deployment procedures and procurement requirements.
Training & vendor coordination
Training roadmaps, qualified provider referrals, technical evaluations, operational trials and rollout support.
Independent advisory
Periodic program reviews, technology assessments, workflow improvements and support for changing operational requirements.
RAVEN
DRONE SERVICES
DRONE SERVICES
Your advisor
Operational thinking, not just drone specifications.
Raven Drone Services Ltd. is a Métis-owned drone services business based in Edmonton, Alberta, founded by Darrel Pendry. Darrel combines more than three decades of business, technical and leadership experience with hands-on RPAS operations involving aerial inspection, mapping, thermal imaging and complex operational planning.
With Transport Canada Advanced and Level 1 Complex pilot certification, Raven brings practical insight into what it takes to turn promising drone applications into responsible operational decisions.
Independent advice first. We can recommend in-house capacity, outside contractors or a hybrid solution based on the needs identified in the study.
Learn more about Raven and Darrel →Frequently asked questions
Questions about starting or improving a drone program
Can you review an existing drone program?
Yes. Raven assesses existing RPAS operations, including procedures, staffing, equipment, regulatory readiness, workflows, costs and vendor arrangements, then recommends prioritized improvements. The scope depends on the program size and goals.
What is a drone program feasibility study?
It is a structured assessment of whether drones are practical, safe and financially sensible for specific organizational needs. It typically reviews use cases, airspace, regulations, equipment, staffing, training, costs, risks and alternatives to owning a drone fleet.
Should our organization buy drones or hire a drone service provider?
That depends on mission frequency, locations, required sensors, regulatory complexity, pilot availability and overall cost. An internal program can suit frequent routine needs; outsourcing may be more economical for occasional specialized work. A hybrid approach is also possible.
Does every commercial drone program in Canada require an RPOC?
No. An RPAS Operator Certificate (RPOC) is required for Level 1 Complex operations, not automatically for every basic or advanced operation. Applicable pilot certificates, aircraft eligibility, airspace permissions and other obligations depend on the planned missions.
Can drones operate near an airport or military base?
Potentially, but operations must be assessed against the specific airspace and activity, with relevant authorizations obtained where required. Nearby military aerodromes can introduce significant restrictions and coordination requirements. No operation should be assumed permissible without a mission-specific review.
Can Raven help with security and emergency-response drone programs?
Yes. Raven can evaluate proposed missions, their integration with existing security or emergency procedures, staffing and training needs, and regulatory and operational constraints. Any deployment would be subject to applicable authorizations and separate implementation planning.
Do you offer consulting outside Edmonton?
Yes. Raven is based in Edmonton and supports organizations across Alberta and Canada through remote discovery, planning and advisory engagements. Site visits and on-location assessments can be scoped where needed.
What does a feasibility study cost?
Fees depend on the number of locations, mission types, stakeholders, research requirements and depth of financial or operational analysis. Raven provides a tailored scope and proposal after an initial discussion.
Start with a conversation
Starting or improving a drone program? Let's talk.
Whether you're evaluating drones for the first time or looking to improve an existing program, let's discuss your goals, challenges and opportunities. A free discovery call is the first step toward determining the right approach.