Advanced Skills
Our team includes seasoned aviation industry experts, business professionals, engineers, and capacity development students looking to broaden their skillsets.
Tim Stinson, a seasoned professional deeply connected to the Forest Industry, earned his Renewable Resources Diploma from BCIT in 1989. His early career with the Ministry of Forests in BC ignited a passion for aviation, leading him to obtain Rotary Wing and Fixed Wing Bird Dog officer ratings. Joining Canadian Forest Products in 1995, he focused on Forest Development Planning and gained expertise in helicopter operations. In 2000, Tim became the Safety and Logistics Manager at Canadian Air-Crane, contributing to groundbreaking logging operations and accumulating over 70,000 flight hours. Promoted to Global Business Operations Manager in 2009, he expanded Erickson Air-Crane’s global footprint in Peru and Ecuador.
Throughout his career, Tim prioritized safety, playing a pivotal role in developing safety management systems and implementing innovations for Canadian Air-Crane. Since 2018, he has directed his attention to drone technology, actively engaging with the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada and serving as the Treasurer for the AEAC UAS Student Competition, contributing to the growth and advancement of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS)
Joining the drone arena in 2018, Cole has rapidly become a valued member of our team and recently ascended to the role of Operations Manager, bringing a blend of expertise and professionalism to our operational landscape. With six years of experience navigating the complexities of the drone and forestry industry, Cole has accumulated an impressive 300 flight hours, demonstrating a proficiency in seamlessly transitioning from municipal surveys to emergency response missions.
Beyond the professional sphere, Cole’s weekends serve as a sanctuary for exploration, balancing a passion for mountain biking and the outdoors. Despite being relatively new to the Operations Manager role, Cole’s impact is already discernible in the strategic management of our operations, creating a workplace that seamlessly blends professionalism with a touch of adventure.
Jowett was introduced to drones in 2017 as an Emergency Program Specialist for the City of Victoria’s Fire Department. Responding to structure fires and various municipal public events, Jowett learned to fly drones in complex, high stress environments. Jowett also works for GlobalMedic – an international disaster response agency that responds to disasters across the world. GlobalMedic’s innovative RescUAV program uses drones to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to relevant agencies and foreign governments in times of disaster. Jowett has responded to numerous international disasters including wars, earthquakes and severe weather events.
As a GlobalMedic Rapid Response Team Leader, Jowett has led multiple RescUAV missions, disaster responses and humanitarian aid programs. Jowett is a highly trained urban search and rescue advanced structural collapse specialist having trained in Washington, Vancouver and Texas. He also works with a highly trained disaster live find K9 training to respond to structural collapses. Jowett and K9 May are members of the BC based Search and Recovery Dog Association of Victoria.
Myles Mill is a skilled RPAS operator and GIS mapper with a growing reputation for precision, professionalism, and a passion for aerial data. He entered the drone industry in 2024 after completing his training at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, where he developed a strong foundation in both flight operations and geospatial analysis.
Since then, Myles has logged over 50 flight hours with Stinson Aerial Services Inc., contributing to a range of specialized operations including wildfire scanning, cinematography, and work as an AIRS™ flight instructor.
When he’s not flying drones or mapping the landscape, Myles enjoys spending time outdoors—camping, hitting the road to explore new places, or staying active with his favorite sports. Myles is also on his way to becoming the office foosball wizard.
Rhys started flying drones as a hobby in 2017. Rhys graduated from the Business Entrepreneurship Diploma Program at British Columbia Institute of Technology while looking for ways to apply drone technology to ongoing problems. Today, Rhys combines his passion in drone technology and business skills to design new business systems and solutions. Rhys holds an Advanced Drone License and Flight Reviewer rating and has amassed over 200 flight hours in operating RPAS in complex environments such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), controlled airspace, nighttime operations, challenging weather, high altitudes, and more.
Rhys is also skilled in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and creates georeferenced maps and deliverables. In his free time, Rhys enjoys exploring the backroads of Vancouver Island and Rhys just completed a camping trip where he drove to Mexico and back.
Rhys is also the office Foosball Wizard.
Scott is a retired Air Force Navigator with over 31 years of dedicated service. With extensive experience at the Department of National Defence, including his role at 19 Wing Operations Center and as a Squadron Operations Officer in Ontario, Scott brings a rich background in both operational and instructional domains, specializing in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and aviation-related education.
Currently, he serves as the lead flight instructor for Stinson Aerial Services, where he delivers Transport Canada RPAS ground school training to First Nations communities and Industry clients across British Columbia. In addition, Scott contributes his expertise to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) by developing Training Plans for the Fixed-Wing Search and Rescue (FWSAR) project.
A graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) with a Diploma in Electronics Engineering, specializing in Industrial Electronics Technology, Scott combines his technical proficiency with a steadfast commitment to promoting safe and effective drone operations
In her capacity as executive coach (ETC Now Coaching), thinking partner and facilitator, Lynne has worked alongside Tim (and now the rest of the team) since the inception of Stinson Aerial Services. Lynne’s credentials include an MA in Leadership and Training (Organizational Development), Certified Professional Coach (Executive, Group), Diploma Business Management, and Non-profit Management. Additionally, Lynne brings over 30 years of non-profit leadership, working with grassroots, provincial and national organizations.
Lynne currently supports Stinson Aerial Services in 4 key areas:
- Leadership Thinking Partner
- Executive Coach
- Facilitator
- Human Resources
Building strong and resilient individuals, organizations and communities begins and ends with each of us: by stepping into our own leadership in all we do, we can create the change we wish to see in ourselves, and our world.
Anas Bargut brings over 13 years of specialized experience in international business development and drone technology solutions. As our International Business Development Manager, he leads technical project expansion across diverse global markets, with proven success in the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and Canada.
Anas has developed and implemented innovative drone solutions across critical sectors including smart agriculture, security, infrastructure, and energy. His expertise extends to specialized wildfire management programs, where he leverages advanced drone technologies, artificial intelligence, aerial analysis, and thermal imaging to enhance response capabilities and minimize environmental impact.
His multilingual abilities in Arabic, English, Russian, and Ukrainian enable him to build strong international partnerships and navigate complex multicultural business environments effectively. Anas holds advanced certifications including a Pilot Certificate for Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Advanced Operations from Transport Canada and is a certified RPAS Operator.
With a proven track record in market expansion strategies, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation initiatives, Anas continues to drive growth and innovation in drone technology applications across multiple industries and international markets.
Yupeng Yao is an enthusiastic professional in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial analysis, poised to leverage his rich academic background and extensive experience in his role as a Senior GIS Developer & Technical Analyst. With 12 years of marketing experience and 7 years of Python programming, Yupeng excels at applying technical skills to solve complex spatial analysis projects and automate workflows, enabling organizations to make informed decisions based on comprehensive data insights.
Yupeng’s technical expertise also encompasses advanced programming, data integration, and remote sensing technologies. He holds a Master of Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering, providing him with a solid academic foundation.
In addition to his technical skills, Yupeng is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, with conversational proficiency in Japanese. This multilingual ability positions him well for roles requiring cross-cultural collaboration and effective communication in diverse environments.
Brett is an enthusiastic RPAS pilot, drone builder, and hands-on problem solver. Over the past eight years as a seasonal field worker, he has developed a diverse range of experience in silviculture, cutblock layout, and resource exploration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in geomatics and is a graduate of SAIT’s Professional RPAS program, positioning him as both a competent and safe pilot as well as a capable GIS professional.
Through his work as a tree planting foreman, Brett discovered a strong aptitude for teaching and mentorship. With patience and an ability to adapt his coaching style to individual needs, he has successfully trained around a hundred new planters to thrive in a demanding field environment. He brings these same strengths: clarity, adaptability, and a supportive approach to the AIRS classroom.