In Episode Ten of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez sits down with Isaac Piche, UAS Standards and Operations Manager at Quanta Aviation, to explore why drones are now being treated with the same rigor and safety standards as helicopters.From utility inspections to large-scale construction projects, Quanta Aviation operates across some of the most complex environments in the world. Isaac shares how drones have shifted from hobbyist “toys” into essential aviation tools — requiring the same compliance, safety management systems, and operational discipline as manned aircraft.

Topics Covered:

• Why drones are now held to helicopter-level aviation standards
• The evolution of drones from film production to critical infrastructure tools
• Real-world drone use cases in utilities, oil & gas, telecom, and energy
• How Quanta Aviation consolidated decentralized drone operations under one safety program
• Insights on Part 108, BVLOS operations, and the future of drone regulations
• The role of AI, automation, and data in shaping drone inspections and maintenance

Whether you’re a drone pilot, aviation professional, or just curious about how drones are transforming utilities and infrastructure, this episode highlights the future of unmanned systems and why safety is the cornerstone of scaling operations.