Below are Mr. Robertson answers:
One of the coolest parts of my job is building a drone program from the ground up and working on cutting-edge projects like wildfire detection, mapping, and search and rescue. I also helped redevelop an entire airfield where both drones and aircraft operate together.
Technology is always changing, so you have to keep learning and adapting. We also have to make sure everything we do is safe and follows aviation rules, which can be complex but also makes the work really important.
I started in law enforcement and used drones for public safety missions, which got me hooked on the technology. From there, I followed my passion into aviation and engineering, eventually leading to where I am today.
Most people think flying drones is just about using a controller, but it actually involves planning missions, analyzing data, and working with advanced sensors and robotics. It is like being a pilot, engineer, and problem-solver all at once.
There is no single path. You can come from aviation, engineering, computer science, or even public safety. Getting your FAA drone license (Part 107) and gaining hands-on experience are great first steps, and the most important thing is curiosity and a willingness to learn.
