Derek Gowanlock

Observer
DISC Type : ci

Director AURORA SHIELD Program at National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada

Canada

Overview

Derek Gowanlock is the Director of the AURORA SHIELD Program at the National Research Council Canada, focusing on autonomous flight systems. A former Commanding Officer in the Canadian Armed Forces and a graduate of the National Test Pilot School, he has over 20 years of experience in flight test and certification, previously serving as Chief Engineer for the CP-140 Aurora fleet.

Derek has held a passion for aviation since childhood, sparked by receiving books about the Apollo program from NASA at age five. He is an active member of the Vertical Flight Society, frequently attending forums to stay current on international vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology and developments.

He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth IIs Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 for his service as a Lieutenant-Colonel.

Personality Overview

Value Driven

Assertive

Curious

They are generally strong communicators and are not easy to convince.  They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing. They are likely to ask many questions and look heavily for supporting information.

Topics They Care About

Autonomous Flight
He leads projects like the Canadian Vertical Lift Autonomy Demonstration (CVLAD), developing systems that give helicopters decision-making authority to fly and land themselves, even in degraded visual environments.
Drone Technology
His work on the AURORA SHIELD program and previous military experience involves leveraging drone and counter-drone capabilities for dual-use commercial and defense applications.
Vertical Lift Innovation
He is an active member of the Vertical Flight Society and speaks at industry forums about advancements in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft and autonomous helicopter technology.

Media Appearances

Derek has no verified media appearances

Work History

12-2025
Director AURORA SHIELD Program at National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada
1-2017 - 4-2026
Manager Canadian Vertical Lift Autonomy Demonstration Project at National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada
2-2016
Research Flight Test Engineer at National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada
7-2014 - 2-2016
Commanding Officer CANSOFCOM Headquarters at Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
7-2012 - 7-2014
Commanding Officer, 1 Air Maintenance Squadron at Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes

Education

2009 - 2010
Joint Command and Staff Program from Canadian Forces College
2002 - 2003
Rotary Wing Flight Test from National Test Pilot School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 22 Location : Canada Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Director AURORA SHIELD Program at National Research Council Canada / Conseil national de recherches Canada
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Insights For Selling To Derek

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Be prepared for a lot of questions, answer them objectively
  • Use phrases like ‘clear proof that’, ‘data shows’ etc.
  • Focus on immediate action-items rather than the larger goals

DONT's

  • Avoid making offhand commitments
  • Don’t try to rush them into a decision, provide all necessary information first
  • Don’t be too objective but make sure to pad your storytelling with data points

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Derek is

  • Proven value, strong testimonials are important to them, relationships will have some weightage.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Derek

  • They are practical yet friendly, don’t expect a clear no very often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Derek move?

  • They like to analyze well and can take their time to reach any decisions.
  • Can Derek take some risk or not?

  • They evaluate their decisions systematically and are less likely to take risks.

You And Derek

Personality Compatibility


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