Taming Disaster: Drones For Good

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes Art Pregler, director of strategic initiatives for AT&T, which is quite a dramatic program in the UAS field for disaster response and other operations.

Art Pregler is AT&T’s UAS Program Director responsible for nationwide oversight and internal implementation of drones. He is also Director of National Mobility Systems, responsible for the development of enterprise data systems. Prior to AT&T, Art served DOD, NASA, DARPA, and other technology-focused agencies as a Command & Control Officer, Air Traffic Controller, Air Weapons Controller, and Mission Control Specialist. Art is a member of the joint FAA/drone industry Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team (UAST); and RTCA Special Committee 228 (Minimum Operational Performance Standards for Unmanned Aircraft Systems); and the NATE UAS Committee; the FAA’s 2016 mUAS Aviation Rule-Making Committee (ARC) for flight over people; and the Washington Governor’s Unmanned Systems Industry Council.

Key Takeaways:

[1:19] How did Art start in the unmanned air systems industry?

[2:46] What was it like working in the 80s at the second rise of the American Space Program?

[4:33] Art shares his thoughts about the work of SpaceX.

[5:29] How did Art make the transition to work at AT&T?

[7:15] How did AT&T start in unmanned aircraft systems?

[12:04] Art explains how AT&T’s work contributes to the field of first responders and emergency management.

[12:58] What is a COW from AT&T’s perspective?

[13:49] Art gives examples of the ways they are using AT&T’s technology.

[14:45] Art talks about how AT&T works on floods and tornadoes.

[15:29] How many people can be covered with a single COW?

[16:17] What does a Flying COW look like?

[18:56] How does AT&T interact with the FAA?

[20:02] Art talks about the culture of aviation safety established at AT&T.

[21:50] How did AT&T develop its standards?

[22:08] How to become an AT&T remote pilot.

[24:10] Art talks about the logistics operations for unmanned aircraft.

[27:25] Art shares some of the key learnings he developed over his last couple of deployments that impacted the UAS program.

[29:25] Art shares his view of the future of unmanned aviation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes Brandon Torres Declet to today’s episode. Brandon is the Co-founder and CEO of Measure and a new member of the Drone Advisory Committee. He shares today how he got involved in the drone industry, founded Measure, became a member of the Drone Advisory Committee, and the evolution of the commercial drone industry.

Brandon Torres Declet is widely recognized as the leading Latino entrepreneur in the drone industry. As a lawyer, public policy expert, and CEO, Brandon has a unique understanding of drone innovation and a firsthand appreciation for how policy challenges may impact drone operations. In 2014, Brandon co-founded Measure, a leading aerial intelligence company, and as CEO, grew the company to the top five percent of drone firms by revenue. Brandon sold the Measure drone services business to the Aerodyne Group in 2019. Today, Measure offers a drone-agnostic, turnkey aerial intelligence software solution that includes mission planning, data collection, data processing, data analysis, and intelligence reporting that can transform the way businesses make decisions using drones. Under his leadership, Measure completed tens of thousands of missions with zero reportable incidents and collected data on high-value assets.

Key Takeaways:

[1:28] Brandon shares how he first got involved in unmanned aviation.

[3:23] How did Brandon start in the drone space?

[6:36] We have to find a way of making money even without the regulations.

[10:00] It is hard to start a business; the drone service is like any other business.

[12:04] Brandon talks about the commercial aspect of drones.

[12:32] Brandon shares his perspective about Dronebase.

[14:25].At what point did Brandon shift the business model for Measure?

[17:35] Brandon talks about the pitfalls he wishes he would have avoided.

[20:08] 3D Robotics went through an evolution producing drones and then getting crushed on pricing. Today, the industry has its first unicorn with Skydio. What has shifted?

[23:54] Brandon shares about his role in the Drone Advisory Committee and what he would like to accomplish as a member.

[27:33] In technology, things move at the speed of light but the government does not.

[28:02] Where does Brandon see the value proposition for disaster response and public safety, moving toward?

[29:30] Brandon talks about his plans for the future.

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

Measure

Drone Advisory Committee

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes Ken Stewart to today’s episode. Ken was the CEO of AirXos (part of GE Aviation) and recently took a new position with NuAir in New York State. Ken shares all about what NuAir is up to and where he sees the industry heading.

Ken Stewart is a versatile, global business leader with 20 years of business development, strategic planning, sales/marketing, and product development/line-of-business management experience in diverse industries including wireless communications, Industrial IoT solutions and services, and government. Ken has domestic and international experience.

Key Takeaways:

[1:35] Ken talks about his background and how he became involved in unmanned aviation.

[4:13] Ken talks about the element that people tend to miss out on regards to the challenges of 5G.

[5:14] Is there a new infrastructure for UTM (Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management)?

[6:37] Ken talks about his experience in AirXos.

[9:41] Ken speaks about the challenges of starting a company.

[13:02] Chris and Ken talk about the problem with the budget available for unmanned aviation systems.

[14:03] Ken shares how COVID-19 impacted AirXos.

[15:13] Ken talks about starting to work with NuAir.

[17:03] Ken describes NuAir.

[18:35] Ken talks about the terrain they are working in now.

[19:14] What kinds of partners is NuAir working with?

[21:28] Ken talks about the aim of the operations he is managing at NuAir.

[22:31] Where does Ken see the unmanned aviation industry heading?

[25:02] Ken shares his thoughts about what unmanned aircraft systems could do to gain more credibility around the manned aviation industry.

[26:44] What is the impact of the new administration on the FAA and over the industry in general?

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

NuAir

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes you to the first episode of Taming Disaster Drones for Good of 2021. Today, Christopher is accompanied by Kurt Carraway to talk about the amazing work he has been doing along with his team at Kansas State University, training remote pilots with the latest technologies in unmanned aviation systems.

Kurt Carraway is the UAS Department Head and UAS Executive Director for Applied Aviation Research at Kansas State University Polytechnic in Salina, Kansas.

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] Kurt talks about his very diverse background in aviation.

[5:03] Kurt shares how he used to use celestial navigation.

[6:18] When did Kurt start seeing GPS for military use?

[7:51] Was it difficult to get some of the old-school generals to believe in satellite technology?

[8:45] Kurt talks about the common points between GPS to UAS in regards to the adoption cycle and community acceptance.

[10:32] Kurt shares about his connection to Kansas State.

[12:24] Kurt talks about how the program at Kansas State University Polytechnic was when he entered and how it progressed.

[13:54] What are the different kinds of programs that are offered to students at Kansas State University?

[17:38] How did the pandemic impact the ability to keep educating students?

[20:45] Kurt talks about the connection with ASSURE UAS

[24:59] When can the outcomes of the research be expected?

[25:56] Kurt speaks about the new courses about the use of drones for first responders in public safety.

[28:32] Kurt shares what he sees in the future for the UAS.

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

Kansas State University — UAS

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes Dr. Gregory Crutsinger, Director of Applied Research at GeoAcuity, to today’s episode.

Dr. Gregory Crutsinger is a versatile professional with a blended background in ecology and scientific research and start-up management with experience in fast-paced roles leveraging communications, digital and event marketing, technical training, and business development skills to promote geospatial technology innovation.

In this episode, Gregory and Chris engage in a thoughtful conversation about the history of drones and the evolution of the unmanned aircraft system technology. Gregory openly talks about his professional journey and how he discovered his passion for mapping disasters.

Key Takeaways:

[1:49] Gregory shares how he got started in the unmanned aircraft system industry.

[6:50] Gregory left Canada to start in California.

[10:19] Gregory shares how 3D Robotics didn’t do so well.

[16:14] Gregory explains what happened early on with the unmanned system industry.

[18:21] Where is Gregory seeing the unmanned system industry now on the hardware side?

[20:30] Gregory explains the characteristics that a drone for mapping needs to have.

[22:15] Gregory talks about FLIR’s potential.

[23:44] Gregory talks about how he started attending disasters.

[26:55] The first time that UAVs were used during an active wildfire in 2017.

[31:19] Gregory talks about the matter of coordinating all the data obtained.

[33:02] Chris and Gregory talk about the disconnect between data collecting and GIS.

[33:30] Gregory shares his experience mapping the Camp Fire of 2018.

[35:57] Is a drone the right element to use in a wildfire of great proportions?

[39:40] During disasters, drones are used to visualize critical infrastructure and damages.

[44:24] Gregory talks about the current situation in regards to mapping disasters.

[45:25] Gregory shares about YouTube videos he does explaining how to read a map.

[45:44] Gregory talks about his role at GeoAcuity.

[47:25] What is it like to be a Ph.D. working with law enforcement and cops at a disaster scene?

[50:51] Gregory shares his thoughts about what the future holds for unmanned aircraft systems and mapping in 2021.

[52:56] Integrating indoor and outdoor mapping.

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

Presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional support from FIRSTiZ and Pix4D 

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

GeoAcuity

Christopher Todd, your host, has a special program for you today where he is accompanied by Charles Werner, Director of the DRONE RESPONDERS program, and Michael O’Shea, the Program Manager for the UAS Integration Office with the Federal Aviation Administration.

In today’s conversation, you will hear about:

- The National Drone Safety Awareness Week.

- COVID-19.

- The certification and renewal processes for Part 107 pilots.

- The impact of the Integration Pilot Project (IPP) on public safety.

-  Remote ID.

- The Beyond Visual Line of Sight Waiver.

Key Takeaways:

[2:21] Mike shares how he started into aviation.

[6:02] Charles talks about his background in fire rescue and emergency management prior to unmanned systems.

[7:38] Charles explains the mission of DRONE RESPONDERS.

[10:03] What was the catalyst to create the National Drone Safety Awareness Week?

[11:55] Mike explains the different topics assigned to every day of the National Drone Safety Awareness Week.

[13:22] Charles shares the meaning of National Drone Safety Awareness Week for public safety agencies.

[15:40] The certification and renewal processes for Part 107 pilots.

[19:13] What is the impact on public safety of the certification process for Part 107 pilots?

[21:20] Mike and Charles talk about the Integration Pilot Program (IPP).

[26:36] Did the IPP deliver what it was supposed to?

[27:26] Mike shares what excites him about the Beyond Visual Line of Sight Waiver.

[28:20] Mike talks about the internal process within the FAA to make the Beyond Visual Line of Sight Waiver.

[33:00] Charles talks about the impact of the Beyond Visual Line of Sight Waiver on public safety agencies when conducting regular UAS operations.

[35:37].What is the starting point for an agency that wants to pursue the Beyond Visual Line of Sight Waiver?

[38:32] Mike describes what the current situation is in regard to Remote ID.

[42:54] Charles explains how Remote ID is going to have an impact on public safety operations.

[44:08] Mike talks about what is on the horizon for 2021.

[47:20] Charles shares what DRONE RESPONDERS have for 2021: Webinar Series.

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

Presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional support from FIRSTiZ and Pix4D 

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS.

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

For more information about the National Drone Safety Awareness Week look for #droneweek on any social media platform.

Contact the Federal Aviation Administration. Send an email to [email protected] or call (844) FLY-MY-UA.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Visit DRONE RESPONDERS to learn more  about the Beyond Visual Line of Sight Waiver (click on Resource Center)

Sign in for DRONE RESPONDERS weekly webinar

Drones are making a substantial impact around the world in many different ways, in Public Safety Agencies, NGOs, and Academia, just to name a few. All types of organizations are turning into unmanned aircraft systems to start performing a variety of fascinating missions. One of these organizations is the United Nations with the World Food Programme, which is now exploring the use of unmanned systems for several missions.

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes Patrick McKay who is the regional UAS coordinator at the UN World Food Programme, and Matthias Boyen who iis the UAS Service Manager at the UN World Food Programme, to talk about how the WFP is using Drones for Good.

Key Takeaways:

[2:08] Patrick shares how he first got involved with unmanned aircraft systems and drones.

[3:45] Matthias shares how he got started with unmanned systems.

[6:06] How is the World Food Programme looking at using unmanned aircraft systems today?

[7:28] Matthias talks about the mission of the World Food Programme.

[8:32] Matthias explains the mission of the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service.

[9:03] When the UN started to consider the use of unmanned aircraft systems to serve the community better?

[10:57] How WFP is approaching disasters?

[12:11] Patrick and Matthias talk about the different types of missions the WFP is running today.

[14:34] What are the strategies that the UFP find effective to build awareness and educate people in Africa and beyond about the benefits of using drones?

[18:10] How does the WFP train their pilots?

[20:18] How is the WFP managing operating unmanned systems in villages?

[22:30] Matthias talks about the drone quarters in Africa.

[23:51] How does the WFP coordinate with the other civil aviation authorities in the different parts of the world in which they are operating?

[26:30] Matthias and Patrick talk about safety and mapping.

[29:10] How is the WFP maintaining communications in the field between different flight teams during a disaster response?

[30:35] Mathias and Patrick share how the WFP is using drones for cargo operations.

[32:21] Mobile connectivity 

[35:10] Matthias talks about Services for Communities.

[36:25] Patrick shares how the UAS Working Group got started and what are its purposes.

[38:48] What is the UAS Working Group looking to accomplish in the near future?

[41:02] Drones are going to change most industries around the world.

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

Presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional support from FIRSTiZ and Pix4D

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

UN World Food Programme

United Nations Humanitarian Air Service

Email [email protected] for more information about the WFP and the UAS Working Group

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly stayed longer than expected, but with all its devastating effects has also brought positive outcomes, especially with the reaches of the virtual environment, we are now able to connect with people in ways that we were never forced to do so before. There have been a lot of amazing live events like the Commercial UAV Expo and AUVSI XPONENTIAL, which allowed influential people in the unmanned system space, emergency management, and disaster response from all over the world to meet and discuss important current matters.

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes Richard Adams to today’s episode. Richard is the National Director of disaster relief teams from Disaster Relief Australia. He is sharing his experience with drones in Afghanistan and how he used the skills gained in that field to help the community in emergency and disaster response. Richard communicates the mission of Disaster Relief Australia, which not only serves the community but provides military veterans the chance to regain a purpose, form part of a community, and find an identity while helping others.

Key Takeaways:

[3:00] Richard Adams joins Chris Todd from New Zealand.

[3:48] Richard shares how he got involved with unmanned aircraft systems and drones.

[6:13] Richard talks about the drones they used in Afghanistan.

[8:06] Richard describes the geographic characteristics of Afghanistan and how they influenced the communications with unmanned systems.

[8:55] What was a typical mission like for Richard and his team?

[11:45] Drones were used in Afghanistan to track individuals of interest.

[12:37] Did the local villagers realize that drones were used?

[14:33] Richard talks about what happened to him after seven years of serving with the army.

[17:50] What kind of aircraft was the park service using?

[19:34] How are unmanned aircraft systems being used in Australia?

[22:48] Richard explains how drones are used during wildfires.

[24:15] The work with GIS pros and data management personnel to take the data off the aircraft and develop data products for intelligence.

[26:27] How are they transmitting the data from the field to end users at the emergency operations center?

[29:26] The regulatory perspective in Australia.

[33:47] Richard talks about the requirements to fly an unmanned aircraft over military space in Australia.

[34:46] Richard talks about his involvement in Disaster Relief Australia.

[8:15] What does the UAS team look like in Australia?

[39:22] Disaster Relief Australia partners with NGOs and Non-Profit Organizations for disaster response.

[42:04] Veterans help themselves by helping others.

[43:00] Richard shares what is, in his perspective, the most valuable benefit of using unmanned aircraft systems.

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

Presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional support from FIRSTiZ and Pix4D, 

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS.

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

Commercial UAV Expo

AUVSI XPONENTIAL

Disaster Relief Australia

As we see the unmanned systems industry evolving, we see different states taking different strategies and how they are going to use these systems to help, not only their citizens but also to build commerce and business within the state. It has been really interesting to watch Texas, North Dakota, Nevada, and North Carolina being the early leaders come out and taking strategies to build visibility for these programs within their states.

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes David Heath to talk about the current reality regarding unmanned systems in Pennsylvania. David is the executive director and co-founder of the Pennsylvania Drone Association.

Key Takeaways:

[1:50] David Heath talks about how he got involved in unmanned aircraft systems.

[6:05] Pennsylvania Drone Association began its operations in 2019. Is that a benefit or a challenge?

[7:39] David talks about how they constituted their general assembly at the PA Drone Association.

[8:36] Which are some of the companies in Pennsylvania that are contributing to the unmanned system industry?

[11:10] ASTM partnership with the DRONERESPONDER program.

[12:01] States are playing a key role when it comes to developing unmanned technology.

[14:27] David talks about the vast power states can have regarding unmanned aircraft systems.

[17:30] Who is PA Drone Association’s main competition?

[19:35] How important is it to have academia as part of the conversation about unmanned systems?

[21:05] David talks about how they found the funding resources for the PA Drone Association.

[26:47] The value of connections and networking.

[29:18] David talks about the concepts of “pockets of utilization” in regard to the unmanned aircraft systems in PA.

[32:02] How is PA Drone Association dealing with people’s fears about the use of drones?

[35:36] The Pennsylvania Drone Symposium

[40:01] David talks about the companies participating at the  Pennsylvania Drone Symposium.

[41:50] What is going to make the Pennsylvania Drone Symposium different from the other events?

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

Presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional support from FIRSTiZ and Pix4D 

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS

Become a member of Drone Responders for free.

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

Pennsylvania Drone Association

Pennsylvania’s Public and Private UAS Symposium

Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes two special guests to today’s episode. Danielle Gagne, who is the editorial analyst of Commercial UAV News, shares in this episode her point of view about the state of the unmanned systems industry, the UAS drone industry, and how Commercial UAV Expo Virtual is going to be different in 2020. Garret Bryl, the lead test pilot from DRONERESPONDERS, joins the conversation talking about what he has lined up not only from the industry perspective, but also for the DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety UAS Summit at Commercial UAV Expo.

Key Takeaways:

[2:55] Danielle Gagne shares how she became the editorial analyst Commercial UAV News.

[5:28] Garret Bryl shares how he got involved with drones and unmanned aircraft systems.

[10:15] Danielle talks about the current state of the commercial unmanned system industry.

[12:00] Some companies are cutting their budget for drone programs.

[13:23] Danielle talks about the public perception towards drones.

[15:40] Garret discusses what excites him about testing new drone technology.

[18:51] Nowadays, it is possible to compare different drones.

[19:42] Garret’s work aims to give manufacturers a better idea of how drones need to be to serve public safety better.

[21:11] Garret talks about the testing process and how they will publish the outcomes.

[23:20] Danielle talks about the challenges of her work as an editorial analyst of Commercial UAV News.

[26:02] Where is the gap in the drone industry right now? Standards are needed.

[27:26] Garret talks about the beginnings of drone testing, back in 2015.

[30:38] Garret provides an example of how testing can help drone manufacturers.

[33:09] Helping public safety agencies make a decision on what platforms and products are best for them.

[33:37] Garret lists the three biggest limitations: 1. Budget, 2. Logistics, and 3. Training.

[36:13] Garret explains why he does not charge for his work testing drones.

[38:09] Danielle talks about how Commercial UAV Expo is going to be like.

[43:34] The DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety UAS Summit.

[49:15] How can you secure your ticket for the Commercial UAV Expo?

[51:12] Garret shares where all the research he has been doing can be found.

Mentioned in this episode:

Airborne International Response Team

Presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional support from FIRSTiZ and Pix4D 

AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS

Become a member of DRONERESPONDERS for free.

Commercial UAV Expo

Commercial UAV News

DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel

DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook.

Garret Bryl YouTube Channel