Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time

Original Recording Date: May 31, 2024


 Host John McLeod sits down with Charles Werner, a 40-year public safety veteran, former Fire Chief, Director of DRONERESPONDERS, and Aviation Technologies Advisor for the Virginia Department of Aviation. Drawing from over four decades of service and tech leadership, Charles shares insights into how public safety UAS has rapidly expanded from seven initial use cases to over 50 today across more than 6,000 agencies nationwide.


The conversation explores practical frameworks for starting a public safety drone program, contrasting FAA Part 107 civil operations with Part 91 Public Aircraft Operations (COAs), and emphasizing why proactive community outreach and transparency are critical before launching flights. Charles addresses pressing legislative and geopolitical topics, including country of origin hardware bans, supply chain realities, and state-level policy trends. Additionally, he highlights crucial future developments in Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), detect and avoid (DAA) systems, standardized pilot training, and the urgent need for local detection and mitigation capabilities against nefarious drone activity near critical infrastructure and correctional facilities.


Why This Episode Matters Today:


 As public safety agencies across the country face rapid technological changes, evolving FAA regulations, and geopolitical debates over hardware origins, program leaders need clear guidance to build resilient programs. Charles Werner provides a masterclass in program governance, community relations, federal advocacy, and airspace safety, helping command staff navigate complex policy shifts while leveraging drones to save lives and protect communities.


Episode Highlights: 


[03:37] Charles reflects on his early predictions for public safety drones, noting how the industry expanded from seven envisioned use cases to over 50 today across 6,000+ public safety agencies (70% law enforcement, 25% fire service, and 5% emergency management/search and rescue).


[06:47] Addressing collaboration and FAA regulatory navigation, Charles highlights how DRONERESPONDERS unites over a hundred DFR agencies to address COA inconsistencies, streamline waiver approvals, and build direct, effective lines of communication with the FAA.


[09:25] When adopting new public safety technology, Charles dictates three strict criteria to vendors: it must offer a clear value proposition, fit within limited public safety budgets, and be easy to implement into existing systems.


[10:50] Charles outlines foundational steps for starting a drone program, explaining the operational differences between Part 107 and PAO COAs, and stressing why public outreach, policy transparency, and community buy-in must happen before an agency ever launches an aircraft.


[16:32] Discussing country of origin hardware concerns and legislative restrictions, Charles analyzes the supply chain gap between domestic and foreign drone manufacturers, advocating for federal security standards, domestic production subsidies, and proactive legislative education by agency leaders.


[22:25] Looking over the technology horizon, Charles shares excitement for onboard detect-and-avoid (DAA) capabilities, vehicle-to-vehicle airspace communication, multi-drone control by a single pilot, swarm technology for search and rescue, and AI-driven disaster damage assessment.


[28:02] Addressing growing risks surrounding drone misuse, contraband drops at correctional facilities, and stadium incursions, Charles underscores the critical need to expand drone detection and Counter-UAS mitigation authorities to state and local public safety agencies.


[35:13] Charles details real-world success stories from de-escalating potential armed confrontations and preventing police ambushes to directing interior fire streams and locating missing children demonstrating how sharing tangible metrics and operational wins secures ongoing community and council support.


Episode Resources: 


• DRONERESPONDERS Website: https://www.droneresponders.org/• Charles Werner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-werner-droneresponders/• DroneSense Website: https://www.dronesense.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=show-notes&utm_campaign=dronecast-rethinking-public-safety-one-drone-at-a-time-ep69





Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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Original Recording Date: June 6, 2024

Host John McLeod sits down with Matt Rybar from Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT) for Part 2 of their in-depth conversation. Moving beyond basic program foundations, Matt and John dive into the operational realities of scaling Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs. Matt breaks down why starting with a "DFR 1.0" approach using visual observers on rooftops rather than immediate full infrastructure investments allows agencies to gather critical data, prove launch locations, and build vital community trust without incurring high upfront costs.

The discussion provides a clear, practical overview of the evolving FAA regulatory landscape, differentiating Part 107 civil operations from Part 91 public aircraft operations (COAs), and explaining the progression from Tactical BVLOS to First Responder BVLOS and DAA-backed true BVLOS waivers. Matt shares technical and logistical considerations for deploying dock solutions (such as power, connectivity, and rooftop access), stresses the importance of an incremental "crawl, walk, run" deployment strategy, and highlights how holistic program management tools like DroneSense Remote unlock real-time situational awareness and seamless multi-agency collaboration during critical incidents.

Why This Episode Matters Today:

As public safety agencies across the country transition from manual drone deployments to automated DFR and BVLOS operations, regulatory hurdles, infrastructure demands, and funding questions can stall progress. Matt Rybar provides a realistic, field-tested roadmap that empowers command staff and drone program managers to navigate FAA waivers, select the right hardware/software integrations, and build sustainable, community-backed programs that increase officer safety and response efficiency.


Episode Highlights:

• [01:17] When embarking on a drone program, Matt advises caution. He says it's important to start small and find ways to gather data, test theories, test launch sites, and then evolve that programme. Matt emphasizes that public trust has to come into that process as well. When you start to build that public trust through a DFR programme, there must be data to show how you got to your conclusions about how you plan to operate, from what hours you will fly, what shifts you’re going to do, and how you have selected all of this.
  
  
  
• [05:07] Matt highlights the importance of understanding FAA regulations and the different operational frameworks, such as Part 107 and Part 91, that govern drone operations. He explains that while there is a debate about which framework is best for public safety, there is a place for both Part 107 and Part 91 in drone operations. Matt also discusses the use of Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waivers in public safety drone programs. He explains that there are different levels of BVLOS waivers, from tactical BVLOS for low altitude operations to true BVLOS that requires additional technology for detecting and avoiding manned aircraft. Matt emphasizes the importance of working closely with the FAA to ensure compliance and safety in these operations. 
  
  
  
• [10:42] Matt expresses great excitement about drone docks (specialized stations designed to support the automated operation, charging, and housing of drones), and says that over the last two years they have revolutionized their thought process. He says that while it was possible to remotely control aircraft before drone docks, “the thought of having a dock and being a seamless remote operation is just so incredible”. Matt also looks forward to what the next few years bring in terms of the development of better drone dock technology. 
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Unmanned Vehicle Technologies website
• Matt Rybar on LinkedIn 
• DroneSense Website

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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Original Recording Date: June 6, 2024 

Host John McLeod sits down with Matt Rybar, Vice President of Special Projects at Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT). Blending his background in electrical engineering with years of law enforcement experience as a patrol deputy, patrol officer, and emergency manager, Matt brings both practical public safety expertise and technical depth to the conversation.

The discussion traces the historical evolution of public safety drone programs from 2016 to the present day, emphasizing how hardware advancements and payload quality, especially thermal imaging have dramatically expanded operational capabilities. Matt outlines the critical importance of establishing public trust early on through transparency and clear communication regarding how drones are used to benefit citizens. He shares practical guidance for agencies launching new programs, stressing the need for a solid deployment plan, structured recurring monthly training, and a robust program management software foundation like DroneSense before chasing new tech trends. Finally, Matt dives into the paradigm shift of Drone as a First Responder (DFR), explaining how deploying drones ahead of ground units provides critical, actionable intelligence, clears lower-priority calls faster, and optimizes public safety responses.

Why This Episode Matters Today:

As public safety agencies rapidly adopt and scale drone operations, establishing transparent public communication and building a sound operational framework are essential. Matt Rybar’s dual perspective as a former responder and technology solution provider demonstrates how proper planning, policy, and DFR integration directly improve officer safety, speed up incident response, and foster genuine community trust.


Episode Highlights:

• [04:55] Matt says that drone technology has come a long way. He remembers the first thermal camera that could be attached to a small aircraft, and compares it to the thermal cameras that are available now, saying they are ten times the quality. Matt also cites the example of a missing suspects case that was eventually solved within thirty seconds by a drone—he wonders whether the technology even five years ago would have allowed them to achieve that from the capabilities available. However, while the technology has advanced rapidly, Matt stresses that the foundation of many drone programs remains the same.
  
  
  
• [13:06] Matt discusses the challenges and considerations of starting a drone program for public safety. He advises agencies to start with a deployment plan, determine the mission set, and establish initial and recurring training for team members—Matt says it boils down to the question, ‘What does your mission set look like? How are you going to deploy that aircraft? What's your initial training going to look like?’. Matt also emphasizes the importance of selecting the right software and hardware solutions, and recommends using a holistic program management tool like DroneSense. 
  
  
  
• [20:51] Matt explains that DFR involves making drones the first on-scene responders to provide actionable intelligence to human responders before their arrival. He says that, while traditional call takers do an excellent job, in times of crisis there can be miscommunication or misunderstandings that lead to delays or issues. Matt says that getting a drone on the scene sooner can generate actionable intelligence that may allow the fire service, the police service, or medical teams to scale up or scale down their response based on that intelligence. 
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Unmanned Vehicle Technologies website
• Matt Rybar on LinkedIn 
• DroneSense Website
  
  
  

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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Original Recording Date: April 3, 2024
Host John McLeod sits down with Philip Miller, a Medicolegal Death Investigator with the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Believed to operate one of the nation's premier full-scale drone programs housed within a state medical examiner’s office, Philip shares his journey from childhood aviation dreams to integrating specialized UAS technology into death scene processing. 
The conversation focuses on the practical benefits that drones offer medicolegal investigators, ranging from mapping fatal crash scenes with centimeter accuracy in minutes to using thermal payloads to locate scattered evidence or victims. Philip outlines how livestreaming feeds via DroneSense allows off-site doctors and command staff to gain immediate situational awareness and first-person fly-through views of complex scenes. Furthermore, he addresses key challenges early adopters face, such as regulatory compliance, program communication, and overcoming public surveillance fears through proactive community engagement. 

Why This Episode Matters Today:
As public safety agencies expand their drone operations, medicolegal death investigation represents a critical, emerging frontier. Philip Miller’s work demonstrates how integrating aerial imagery into death investigations speeds up scene clearance, protects field personnel in dangerous environments, and provides unprecedented documentation accuracy for medical examiners, families, and the justice system. 
Episode Highlights:

• [01:37] In his role as a medicolegal death investigator, Philip blends medical and legal expertise to examine deaths that may require legal examination. From answering sudden calls to examining scenes, each day brings new challenges. Philip values being a voice for those who can no longer speak and finds deep fulfillment in providing answers to grieving families. Despite the often-overlooked nature of their work in public safety, Philip and his colleagues play an honorable role in justice and community service.
  
  
• [08:42] Philip recounts his journey with drones, starting modestly with a Mavic 2 Pro to avoid hefty initial investments. His drone operations have since expanded with the acquisition of a more advanced Matrice 30T supported by state chief Dr. Pfeifer, which became key for diverse operations, from helping night-time investigations with thermal imaging to assessing disaster impacts across the state. 
  
  
• [19:46] Implementing a drone program comes down to knowing the legalities and operational guidelines. Philip advises newcomers to thoroughly understand what they can and cannot do legally and to foster good relationships with local agencies. This network will not only provide you with vital support but also aid in efficient communication, ensuring timely operations and effective use of resources, which are essential for a successful drone program.
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Philip Miller on LinkedIn
• Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Website
• SOMDI: The Society of Medicolegal Death Investigators Website
• DroneSense Website
  
  

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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Original Recording Date: March 7, 2024  

Host John McLeod welcomes Chris Baker, who serves as the Drone and Robotics Coordinator within Oswego's municipal IT department. Unlike traditional public safety aviation programs housed strictly within law enforcement or fire departments, Oswego took an innovative approach by embedding its drone infrastructure directly within its technology department. Chris shares how this consolidated IT model streamlines maintenance, centralizes funding, and frees sworn first responders to focus on frontline duties.

The conversation highlights the unique operational benefits of deploying DFR in smaller, tight-knit municipalities. Chris breaks down how two docked drones and airspace monitoring cover the entire city, allowing operators to get eyes on the scene before officers arrive, drastically improving response times, officer safety, and resource allocation. Additionally, Chris details his playbook for overcoming local political pushback through targeted stakeholder presentations and shares inspiring real-world success stories, from finding a missing child in two minutes to safely locating hotspots during a cold-weather structural fire.

Why This Episode Matters Today: 

As smaller municipalities across the country evaluate modern public safety technologies, Oswego's unique administrative structure offers a highly scalable model. By housing drone operations under municipal IT, small communities can maximize tight budgets, reduce hardware downtime, and accelerate DFR deployment without overburdening sworn department staff. Chris Baker’s frontline playbook provides actionable guidance for navigating council approvals, mitigating airspace risks, and securing community trust.


Episode Highlights:

• [06:36] Often, drone programs are run directly by the fire or police department, but the City of Oswego’s tech department is responsible for theirs. Chris initially decided to move it into the IT department as he saw benefits to running it from one central location. For one, it made budgeting simpler. They could budget annually for the entire drone program instead of budgeting small amounts from the limited budgets of the respective departments. It also freed up the time of the police and firefighters, letting them get back to doing what they do best. Moving the program to the IT department has allowed it to grow and evolve faster.
  
  
• [14:21] Drone First Responder (DFR) programs are still somewhat in their infancy across the country, and often, people assume they are only useful in dense, urban environments, such as Manhattan. Oswego is a perfect example of how they can work well in different-sized cities and, in fact, might work better. Chris sees small communities as perfect for DFR programs because they don’t have the same resources as larger cities. They have limited staff in police and fire departments and may not have an extra officer available when certain calls come in. This is when drones are useful, as they can get one out and to the location while waiting for an available officer, and the situation can be monitored remotely. 
  
  
• [18:23] Drone program administrators sometimes have to act as a Jack of all trades, needing to maintain relationships with stakeholders and market the program to secure funding constantly. There are many different avenues to navigate. Chris explains that the community is one of the more important ones, as they need to recognize that drone programs are not an invasion of privacy but a tool for helping them. To manage this, Chris often pushes out social media campaigns to inform the wider community about the benefits of the drone program and reshares posts from neighboring communities. It’s all about constantly getting the right information out there. 
  
  

Episode Resources:

• Email Chris: [email protected] 
• DroneSense Website
  
  

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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Original Recording Date: March 5, 2024 In this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod welcomes Matt Rowland, a 21-year retired veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) and founder/administrator of the department's Air Support Unit.

Matt takes listeners back to 2017 when FWPD’s drone program began with a blank sheet of paper, four pilots, and basic barricade overwatch for SWAT operations. He details the rapid technological progression over the last nine years—from stringing physical HDMI cords out of command buses to utilizing 5G-connected tablets and real-time video management via DroneSense.

The conversation dives deep into key operational milestones, including conducting multi-drone overwatch during 2020 civil unrest, securing FAA waivers to fly presidential overwatch during President Trump’s 2018 visit, and establishing Indiana’s premier public safety drone  program. Matt breaks down the practical realities of public safety drone budgeting, managing personnel resources, navigating foreign hardware restrictions, and leveraging autonomous docks and AI to amplify officer efficiency. Finally, Matt highlights why radical transparency through dozens of annual public demos and media access is essential for securing community trust.


Why This Episode Still Matters Today: 

As public safety agencies across the country face rising call volumes, staffing shortages, and tight municipal budgets, FWPD’s journey offers a proven roadmap for technology adoption. Matt Rowland demonstrates how transitioning from basic tactical overwatch to an integrated DFR model can clear 15% to 20% of routine calls for service without dispatching patrol officers. His frontline lessons on navigating hardware bans, evaluating future AI tools, and building deep community trust provide an essential playbook for any agency looking to modernize its public safety aviation program. 

Episode Highlights:

• [18:45]  If you’re thinking about starting a public safety drone  program, Matt recommends getting out there and visiting existing ones. Everyone approaches it from a different angle, and there are now roughly thirty programs across the USA, each doing it slightly differently. Through conducting field research, you can see what approach would work best for your team and your needs. The same goes for budgeting; it will depend on what you do and don’t need to budget for based on state and city regulations and how your department is structured.
  
  
• [30:42] Since FWPD’s ASU launched in 2017, they have had over 13,000 flights. One that sticks out is when President Trump went to the area in 2018 for midterm elections, and they were one of the first local municipality police drone programs to fly overwatch for a President. This involved being the first to find out if there would be issues with drones due to the technology that cuts out communication devices around Presidential limousiness. It turned out that there were, and they would lose communication with the drones, but they were able to resolve this swiftly. 
  
  
• [39:46] Having built the ASU from the ground up, Matt learned early on that pushing forward is the only way to make progress with such programs. This meant not being afraid of being told no. Sometimes, you will try to do something the program is unequipped for or scaled for, and being told to pull back can do wonders in the long run. On the other hand, he regrets the purchase of an all-weather outdoor drone. They kept trying to push the envelope and invested in this, but it didn’t work out, costing the team.

Episode Resources:

• FWPD ASU on Instagram
• Email Matt: [email protected] 
• DroneSense Website
  
  

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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Original Recording Date: January 2, 2024
In Part 2 of this episode of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host John McLeod continues his conversation with Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department’s Robotics Emergency Deployment (RED) Team.

Jason shares operational insights on moving beyond basic flight currency to achieve true pilot proficiency. He outlines how Austin FD maintains high-performing pilots through monthly fly days, intentional practice routines, custom web app task books, and drone simulation software. The discussion tackles critical public safety industry shifts, including the impact of anti-China drone legislation on municipal budgets, data security double standards, and practical methods for demystifying drones to earn community trust.

Additionally, Jason details high-impact management decisions—such as utilizing lease-to-buy models to stretch funding for emerging tools like 3D spatial mapping—and warns against common "poison pills" that destroy embryonic drone programs. Finally, he previews the ongoing work of the IAFF/IAFC Robotics Working Group to create open-source, standardized national blueprints for first responders nationwide.

Why This Episode Still Matters Today: 

As public safety agencies across the country face tightening municipal budgets, rapid technological evolutions, and impending legislative bans on foreign-made drone hardware, Jason Burnside delivers an indispensable roadmap for program longevity. His emphasis on intent-driven pilot practice, creative hardware leasing, and proactive community engagement offers an evergreen playbook for program managers striving to keep their operations effective, financially viable, and trusted by the communities they serve 


Episode Highlights:

• [02:15] Currency vs. Proficiency in Drone Training: Jason explains why 30 minutes of monthly flight time guarantees currency, not proficiency, and details Austin FD's multi-tiered cadence using annual Part 107 recertifications, FAASTeam courses, monthly 3-hour fly days, and custom web app task books.
• [09:30] Navigating Anti-China Legislation & Supply Chain Realities: A candid look at how shifting political dynamics and foreign hardware bans threaten to triple public safety equipment costs while restricting access to life-saving technology.
• [15:10] Building Community Trust Through Transparency: Strategies for demystifying drones, from hosting media fly days and deploying visible command lines at major events like ACL and SXSW to supporting STEM education and drone soccer in high schools.
• [21:40] Creative Hardware Funding: Leasing vs. Buying: How spreading drone payments across two fiscal years unlocked budget capacity to acquire 3D spatial mapping tech, which was recently used to construct a digital twin after a firefighter Mayday scene.
• [26:50] Program Poison Pills to Avoid: Why buying off-the-shelf store drones before establishing strict policy and training prerequisites—or scaling a pilot team beyond available airframes—can sink a program before it starts.
• [32:10] Frontline Lessons & Free National Standards: Jason reflects on flying rooftop missions during 2020 civil unrest to protect responders and citizens, and introduces the IAFF/IAFC initiative providing free, open-source robotics standards for agencies nationwide.

Episode Resources:

• Austin Fire Department Website
• Get started with DroneSense
• Parrot, ANAFI UKR Tech Sheet: https://5n8jp.share.hsforms.com/2oWfNvmGLRCeKUWcJGtFbBg 
  
  
  

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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Transitioning a drone operation from a basic hobby or simple data collection to a high-stakes emergency response asset requires a fundamental psychological shift. Elsa Klarich, Aviation Director at Light and Earth LLC and an expert UAS operator, joins DroneCast to outline the blueprint for training fleet drone operators to perform under immense pressure. Whether navigating emergency humanitarian aid or delivering vital medical supplies, operators must move past the "video game" mindset and adopt the rigor of a certified pilot in command.

Throughout this conversation, Elsa dives deep into the concept of a "just culture" and explains why standard operating procedures (SOPs) are a form of ultimate self-care rather than administrative red tape. She shares harrowing and unique experiences from her time as a young bush pilot in Tanzania including avoiding wildlife on unmapped airstrips and applies those exact situational awareness frameworks to modern drone fleet management. Additionally, Elsa details the operational mechanics of harmonious airspace integration, mapping out how crewed and uncrewed assets can safely coexist using clear aviation terminology and disciplined radio coordination.




What You'll Learn

• The "Safety Always" Shift: Why moving from "safety first" to a continuous "safety always" mindset changes operational outcomes in high-stress environments.
• Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Psychology: Why treating every size of UAS as an official aircraft removes the dangerous "video game" illusion and enforces strict accountability.
• Harmonious Airspace Integration: The practical steps, radio communication techniques, and standardized terminology required for drones to coexist safely with crewed aircraft.
• Bush Pilot Situational Awareness: How the extreme calculations of density altitude, weight distribution, and real-time obstacle avoidance translate directly into drone mission readiness.
• Cultivating a Just Culture: How organizations can build open, non-punitive reporting ecosystems that foster continuous training and educational currency.
  
  

Helpful Links

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights by checking DroneSense on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dronesense
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
  
  

Episode Highlights

[00:00:00] Toy vs. Aircraft: Elsa opens with a direct warning: drones are not video games. High-stakes operations command the exact same intensity and responsibility as manned aircraft.
[00:04:16] Redefining the Safety Culture: Elsa breaks down her core philosophy: "safety always," and explains how safety functions as the ultimate form of selfless self-care for an aviation team.
[00:09:41] Global Working Groups & Community: A look into how international groups like We Robotics and African civil aviation working groups are collaborating to steer modern drone policy and education.
[00:13:39] Harmonious Airspace Integration: Elsa explains the reality of flying complex BVLOS commercial operations safely alongside crewed aircraft in both controlled and uncontrolled airspaces.Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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Original recording date: August 2025

The days of waiting for slow processes during remote emergency response are challenging, especially when legislative red tape creates an operational bottleneck. Elsa Klarich, founder of Light and Earth LLC and a seasoned unmanned aerial systems instructor and operator, joins DroneCast to discuss the accelerating evolution of drone operations. From navigating the distinct regulatory climates of the Global South to deploying life-saving medical supplies in minutes rather than days, Elsa explores the intersection of aviation innovation and global relief work.

Throughout the conversation, Elsa dives into the challenges that civil aviation authorities encounter due to lean teams, the critical importance of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), and why a data-driven approach is paramount when drafting local drone policies. She also sheds light on the stark operational differences between crewed and uncrewed aircraft training, noting that regardless of size, a drone carries the immense responsibility of an aircraft in command.


What You'll Learn:

• The Global South Advantage: Why developing countries starting from zero regulations are uniquely privileged to look at global examples and build optimized, modern frameworks from the ground up.
• Macro Trends in Aviation: A look at how safety and security mitigation, counter-UAS, and advanced air mobility are shaping the global airspace.
• The 15-Minute Emergency Launch: The logistical breakdown of running risk assessments and checklists for rapid Class 2 aircraft deployment compared to traditional crewed aircraft.
• Legislative Foresight: Why policymakers must anticipate tech advancements five years down the line to avoid immediate regulatory obsolescence.
• Human Factors in Training: How intensive ground training and pilot-in-command (PIC) responsibility transfer from crewed aviation to drones
  
  

Helpful Links:

• Fill out the Audience Form here.
• Explore more episodes and insights by checking DroneSense on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dronesense
• Ready to launch or enhance your drone program? Get Started with DroneSense today!
  
  

Episode Highlights:

• [00:06:30] Macro Hot Topics Facing CAAs: Elsa outlines the massive focus on safety, counter-UAS, and unmanned traffic management (UTM) as regulators try to keep up with beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities.
• [00:13:00] Thinking Five Years Ahead: A breakdown of legislative lifecycles and why waiting years for parliament approvals means regulations are often outdated by the time they pass.
• [00:17:10] The Speed of UAS vs. Crewed Flight: Elsa contrasts the 45+ minutes it takes to prep a crewed aircraft with the ultra-fast 12-to-15-minute emergency launch window a drone can achieve.
• [00:20:55] Toy vs. Aircraft: A candid look at why drone training requires intense rigor, highlighting that uncrewed systems carry massive responsibility and are not just a video game.
  
  

Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

Check out our 3 most downloaded episodes:

• Revolutionizing Emergency Response: Chris Lester on Drones in EMS
• Navigating Drone Program Challenges: Lessons from George Mason University
• Navigating the Future of Counter-Drone Operations: Insights from Jack Venables
  
  

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 Original Recording Date: January 2, 2024
In this special "From the Archives" re-release of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, Jason Burnside, Program Manager for the Austin Fire Department's Robotics Emergency Deployment (RED) Team, originally recorded on January 2, 2024, he discussed the foundational principles of how drones enhance public safety, make firefighters' jobs easier and safer, the ongoing challenges of integrating drones into fire departments, and early predictions regarding the future of augmented reality and autonomous launching that remain deeply relevant today.

With an initial background in theater and acting, Jason shifted to firefighting, where he brought a unique perspective to the RED team. Passionate about aviation and technology, he became deeply involved in integrating drone technology into firefighting. Established in January 2014, the RED team started as a small volunteer group and has grown to 35 pilots. Today, they focus on sharing their expertise and experiences with other agencies, helping them to accelerate their development in emergency response through the innovative use of drones.

Why This Episode Still Matters Today: 

While hardware like the Matrice 30 series has evolved, the organizational and cultural hurdles of technology adoption remain identical. Jason Burnside's insights on securing top-down command buy-in, balancing software simplicity under stress, and treating UAS as a standard fireground tool serve as an evergreen playbook. Furthermore, his early vision of a municipal "Venn diagram" of autonomous, button-press drone stations directly mirrors the modern rise of Drone as a First Responder (DFR) programs, making this archive conversation incredibly prophetic. 

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Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Previous Guests include: Matt Rowland, Jason Burnside

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