Where do Commercial UAS Operators Go for UAV Service and Repair?

Andy Osantowske is Director of Operations for Robotic Skies, the only global network of certified UAS maintenance centers.  Robotic Skies offers comprehensive turnkey field service programs designed to keep UAS flying safely, efficiently and affordably around the world. Founded in 2014, the company has more than 200 independently owned and operated repair stations in more than 40 countries.  The network provides maintenance, repair, operations and support services for commercial UAS.  Before joining Robotic Skies, Andy gained experience in the integration of UAS into the national air space. First, as a subject matter expert on air traffic for Evans Incorporated, a contractor to the FAA, then as a member of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization team that worked on the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability  or LAANC for Part 107 operations. He holds a private pilot license, remote pilot license, and aircraft dispatcher license.

In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Andy gives us an update on the company’s UAS maintenance and repair service, provides insights into some interesting partnerships and an outlook on the UAS service sector.

What’s a heavy lift drone and how can it help transport cargo or support industrial applications?

For that question we head to northern California to speak with Joshua Resnick, co-founder and CEO of Parallel Flight Technologies, an industrial grade drone company with a mission to deliver unmanned systems to save lives, property and the environment.  Based La Selva Beach, California, the startup company has developed patent-pending drone technology that will allow drones to carry heavy payloads for over two hours, making it ideal for use in fighting wildfires, search and rescue, healthcare and other mission-critical logistics applications. As CEO of Parallel Flight Technologies, Joshua leverages his years of composite RC airplane and helicopter experience, his background in hybrid and electric power train, as well as his love of new technologies.   Prior to founding Parallel Flight, he led system architecture and electrical engineering for the Tesla Semi Truck program. He previously led state-funded research for the State of Alaska developing hybrid electric commercial fishing boats.

In this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Joshua talks about Parallel Flight Technologies’ Heavy Lift Drone and how it's set to revolutionize the public safety, healthcare and industrial applications.

Is it possible to stop a rogue drone in its tracks?

Timothy Bean is CEO of Fortem Technologies, a world leader in AI-enabled airspace security and safety. Most notably, the company excels in real-time intrusion detection. Through an advanced, end to end system of distributed radar, AI at the Edge, deep sensor integration, and autonomous drone capture, Fortem monitors and defends the world’s venues, infrastructures, cities, and regions. The same system is accelerating the safety of the world’s airspace for urban air mobility.

Tim has more than 25 years of global executive experience successfully building businesses and technology startups in Silicon Valley.  He currently oversees the strategy for Fortem Technologies, and handles everything from product creation, through sales, to customer support. Before founding Fortem Technologies in 2016, Tim provided strategic oversight for all programs and services with global reseller partners in Japan and throughout the world.  He has a vast array of knowledge in sales and engineering, with specific expertise in cyber-defense and mission-critical infrastructure applications.

In this edition of the Drone Radio Show, Tim talks about Fortem Technologies and its suite of products and services designed to make the skies safer from rogue drones.  He also discusses the current challenges in delivering such services and the outlook for the future.

How are Drones Used in by Public Safety Organizations.

For that question, we turn to Charles Werner, Director of the Drone Responders Public Safety Alliance, a non-profit organization whose mission is to facilitate preparedness, response and resilience using unmanned aircraft systems operated by public safety organizations around the world.  Charles Werner is the retired Charlottesville Virginia fire chief, a 44 year veteran of public safety and a FAA certified Part 107 remote pilot. He organized and is the Chair of the National Council on Public Safety UAS. He also serves on several local, state and national  committees and has authored more than 120 published articles on public safety.  In 2020, the Airborne International Response Team and Drone Responders conducted a survey of public sector organizations on the use of drones in public safety.  That survey identified 17 different missions where drones were used to support public safety.  In this episode of the Drone Radio Show, Charles gives us an update on the Drone Responders and provides some insights into the survey results and the growth of drones in advancing the public safety use of drones.