ERAU-W 2nd SUAS Competition and Demonstration

This weekend, I had an opportunity to assist with ERAU-Worldwide's second Small UAS Challenge held at the Wings Over Houston airshow at Ellington Field, TX (the first was held recently at the Reno Air Races in September). What a great experience this proved to be! I met many aviation enthusiasts, including the younger generation of remote control model aircraft pilots. 

Using hardware purchased by ERAU (Syma 5Xc and Helimax quadcopters), donated materials, and participation of local operators, we were able to engage and introduce the public to this technology, our education programs, and possible career opportunities. We invited people to try their hand at flying RC aircraft using donated copies of Real Flight 7 RC Flight Simulator (several copies donated by the awesome folks at Hobbico/Great Planes). Some were even able to progress to flying the affordable, yet very capable demonstration quadrotors we brought in our custom enclosure (structure was approved by the FAA for on site, exterior flight operations). Throughout the weekend, we provided flight demonstrations to exhibit the capabilities of these systems (had a few minor crashes without mishap even though steady winds were 10-15 knots, gusting up to 20 knots). 

One of our event participants, Droneworks, provided amazing demonstrations showcasing first person view [FPV] operations (output of video feed displayed on a large monitor for public viewing) and flight capabilities of their large octocopter, which they use for professional aerial photography and filming. Another of our competitors demonstrated the stability of the DJI Phantom 2 platform, despite the fairly high winds.  I look forward to more such opportunities to provide public outreach and education regarding the safe, efficient, and effective use of unmanned aircraft technology for both recreation and purposed application. Credit for the success of this event is due to the combined efforts of David Thirtyacre, Jeff Jorgensen, Dr. Timothy Holt, and Scott Burgess, who worked tirelessly to setup and run this competition and demonstration.

Check out some more pictures from this event below.

ERAU-Worldwide Launching UAS Professional Development Course in Feb 2014

I'm pleased to announce that Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)-Worldwide will be debuting a two-day unmanned aircraft system (UAS) professional development course (UAS Applications, Operations, and Support: Key Topics of Industry) Thursday to Friday, 27-28th of February, 2014 at the Las Vegas, NV campus. 

WEBSITE: 

http://proed.erau.edu/programs/specialized-industry-training/unmanned-aircraft-systems-workshop-nv/index.htm

DESCRIPTION: This two-day, continuing education unit (CEU) course was created specifically for professionals and specialists seeking to expand their understanding of the application, operation, and support of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), specifically in regards to the considerations, regulations, policies, business opportunities, and challenges of the industry. This course is developed and taught by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide faculty with UAS operations and research experience

This course represents a comprehensive overview of the capabilities, requirements, and business opportunities associated with the UAS industry. It covers the background and impact of UAS, composition and categories of designs, the legislative and regulatory framework, concerns and considerations, applications, operational profiles, business opportunities, and the future of UAS. The course participants will learn to apply the vernacular, fundamental concepts, and principles associated with UAS technology, in addition to exploring the key technologies and markets, in preparation to meet the growing needs and challenges of this developing industry.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
-Business Developers

         -Executive Leadership

-Small Business Owner/Entrepreneur

-Engineers (including aerospace, communications, electrical, GNC, hardware, logistics, software, systems, quality assurance, and test)

-UAS Operators, Pilots, Sensor Operators

-Analysts (system, data management, manufacturing, operations, procurement, research, quality)

-Managers (account, contracts, program, project, operations)Training Developers/Coordinators Administrators (government, contracts, IT, property)

-Planners (mission, facilities, schedule, strategic)

-Technicians (avionics, electronics, manufacturing, RF)

-Writers (technical, grant, proposal)

KEY TOPICS
-Introduction and Impact of UAS

-UAS Designs

-Legislation, Certification, and Regulation

-Industry Concerns

-Applications

-Operational Profiles

-Business Opportunities

-Future of UAS

COURSE OBJECTIVES

By participating in this course you will:

-Gain an understanding of the UAS industry impact

-Explore the composition of typical UAS designs and categories

-Review the legislative and regulatory framework for the operation and application of UAS

-Identify and discuss challenges within the industry

-Examine types of applications, typical operational profiles, and opportunities to provide benefits

-Distinguish among the key technologies associated with the growth of the UAS industry and possible business opportunities

-Recognize the potential of the industry in terms of economic impact, growth, and technology development

This course was designed and developed by myself and ERAU-Worldwide Adjunct Professor, Teena Deering. It features presentation, discussion, and interactive team activities concentrated on essential topics of UAS, the related technology, application of concepts, and the overall industry. Do not miss this exciting learning opportunity to better understand the needs, challenges, and possibilities of this growing market and technology.