Interview by the Aero Fleet One team, led by Chairman Mark Erjavec
Few people have shaped the evolution of avionics in aerial applications as much as Reg Moen. Founder of DynaNav Systems and former owner of Avionics Canada, Reg’s career spans six decades — from repairing bush plane electronics in 1965 to integrating GPS into helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for forestry, mapping, precision agriculture, oil & gas, and environmental work.
At the core of Reg’s approach is a pilot-first design philosophy:
- Safety before features — Every innovation must reduce pilot workload and risk.
- Simple by Design — Systems are intuitive and quick to learn.
- Flexible in Application — Adaptable to different aircraft, missions, and conditions.
Key Highlights from the Interview
- Roadway Navigation vs. Light-Bars — Moen’s “roadway” presentation keeps pilots accurate even at 5,000 ft, outperforming autopilot in nuanced conditions.
- Heads-Up Display (HUD) — Projected in far vision for constant situational awareness without cockpit distraction.
- Data-Driven Performance — Live tracking helps operators identify top-performing pilots and ensure consistent application quality.
- Technology That Pays for Itself — Productivity gains of up to 15% in field operations without compromising safety.
Why Pilots Still Matter
Despite advances in drones and automation, Reg is clear: in aerial ag work, a skilled pilot remains irreplaceable. Real-time decisions about drift, weather, and obstacles can’t yet be matched by machines.