InspectionWorld 2019 will be held at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, CA on January 20 – 23, 2019. The 2019 event will mark the second consecutive year for DARTdrones CEO & Co-founder, Abby Speicher Carroll, to speak on how to implement drones in a home inspections business.

“I am very excited to speak again at the InspectionWorld 2019 Conference,” said Abby Speicher Carroll, CEO & Co-founder, DARTdrones. “Last year, many of the participants were just getting started implementing drones for their home inspections businesses. I can’t wait to learn more about how the past year has progressed for these new drone pilots.”

How to Implement Drones and AUVSI Panel

Abby Speicher Carroll’s presentation, “25 Steps For Implementing Drones Into Your Home Inspections Business”, will cover topics such as the overall commercial drone industry, types of aerial inspections, as well as 25 in-depth steps of how to implement drones and where to get started. Carroll will provide insight on developing a budget, legal concerns, how to choose the right sUAS, obtaining program funding and more.

Following this 1-hour presentation, Carroll will take part on a panel discussion with AUVSI’s Chief Pilot, Tracy Lamb, as well as members of the AUVSI San Diego Chapter.

Part 107 Test Prep at InspectionWorld 2019

InspectionWorld is offering DARTdrones in-person Part 107 Test Prep as a pre-conference course in 2019. The prep course teaches students everything they need to know to pass their FAA Remote Pilot Exam. The DARTdrones instructor will cover 13 main sections including: regulations, airspace, flight restrictions, chart study, airport operations, radio communications, aviation weather, maintenance and pre-flight procedures, crew resource management and aeronautical decision making, sUAS loading and performance, hazards to flight and emergency procedures, aviation physiology, and taking the exam. Students will receive 8 hours of in-person test prep, 300 FAA Part 107 practice questions, 50-page printed study guide, full access to our Chief Pilot for future questions, and 6-months access to our complete online Part 107 Test Prep course.

When: Saturday, January 19th, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

CE Credits: 8 ASHI CEs

Cost: $430/student

Registration: Interested students can register here.

Aerial Roof Inspections Drone Training Workshop Preceding InspectionWorld 2019

Prior to the start of InspectionWorld, DARTdrones will be hosting an Aerial Roof Inspections Workshop near the conference location.

When: January 19th and 20th, 2019

Where: San Diego, CA

Prerequisites: This drone training workshop requires all students to have their FAA Part 107 Certificate as well as 5+ hours of flight time.

Course Topics: The Aerial Roof Inspections Workshop is a 2-day intensive course which covers the following:

Registration: Interested students can register here.

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How Did Jim Find DARTdrones?

Jim first became aware of DARTdrones when he personally attended one of our Drone Pilot Training courses. He became impressed with our commitment to utilize manned pilots as instructors and the curriculum that we teach. “It was obvious that they were serious about developing the sUAS programs worldwide. I didn’t feel they were just in it for the short term.” With Jim’s degree in Education, he found the curriculum to be very impressive and highly developed. “It was evident that the lesson plans were well defined and obtainable. The way the subject matter was broken down into manageable sections, I knew it could be taught in a concise and organized manner.”

When Did Jim’s Passion for Aviation Start?

Jim’s passion for aviation started as a young child when he found himself fascinated by the world of flight. Jim would find himself creating model airplanes while watching airplanes arrive and depart from his local airport by his house. Jim turned that passion into a career in the early 1980s when he earned his private pilot certificate, joined a partnership on a Cessna 172 and became instrument certified. He has enjoyed flying single-engine land planes since.

Favorite Experiences Flying

One of Jim’s favorite experiences flying his Cessna 172 was when he flew into Washington, D.C. for the first time. “Being on approach and passing all the beautiful monuments as I descended into Regan was exciting.”

As a UAV pilot, Jim’s favorite experience with his drone speaks true to his career and passion for not only aviation but Public Safety. This came at a time when he was attempting to execute a Search and Rescue mission. “I was able to locate two people who were stranded offshore in our marsh. It was late in the day and if not found they would have had to survive the night in a maze of channels and endure the cold night.”

How Jim’s Background Will Help Him Be a Great Public Safety UAV Pilot Training Instructor

As a member of an active police department, Jim had the opportunity to develop his departments sUAS program. This included developing the program from scratch by writing his departments SOP, sUAS budget, and research for their aircraft and systems. By doing all of this for his own department, he understands the challenges first hand to help other police departments.

Jim believes that his real-life experiences working in the force will allow him to connect with these departments and extend his knowledge of what to expect and overcome when developing a sUAS program.

The Desire to Accomplish More

As if Jim O’Keefe hasn’t done enough in his career, he would like to accomplish more in the aviation industry before he retires. His hopes to help implement more sUAS in public safety as broadly used in patrol cars, ambulances, AEDs, radios, and computers would complete his career in both aviation and public safety. “I could look back and say I had a part in bringing this new technology to modern public safety services.”

Continuing To Do Good

Even when Jim is off the clock or not flying, he continues to do good. He is a member of his hometown’s Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club in addition to helping his wife train dogs to be used as guide dogs. Jim’s passions continue to extend beyond aviation as he enjoys working on his motorcycle skills when he finds the time.

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“I am so honored to be selected for the Forbes 30 Under 30. I have always envied the Forbes 30 Under 30 hoping that someday I would qualify for such an accomplishment. I have been so lucky to have so many family, friends, and mentors support me with growing DARTdrones.” – Abby Speicher Carroll

Abby received her Bachelor of Arts/Science from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah and then continued her education in Massachusetts at Babson College where she received her Master of Business Administration. In 2014, Abby and her father, Chris Speicher, founded DARTdrones when they realized the need for affordable, hands-on, expert drone training that would be accessible around the country. The growth of DARTdrones that Abby has created within the last 4 years is why Forbes found her as an exceptional entrepreneur under the age of 30.

Forbes found that all 30 honorees shared one common trait, the ability to improve lives by bridging the gap between technology’s endless possibilities and its practical use. Forbes 30 Under 30 article states, “For Abby Speicher, Co-Founder of DARTdrones, it means starting a company that educates people and businesses on how to use drones. Courses include 5 open enrollment courses and dozens of others for commercial and industry-specific drone conducted in the field. More than 9,000 people have completed training in more than 40 cities.”

We congratulate Abby for her hard work and determination!

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Over the past three years, Amelia has worked with CEO and Co-Founder, Abby Speicher Carroll, as well as various DARTdrones flight instructors to design the most up-to-date, comprehensive and expert drone training in the country. Amelia’s curriculum projects include Part 107 test prep, flight training, aerial mapping and modeling, aerial roof inspections, search and rescue, a real-world scenario based training program and more. Amelia’s most recent project has been working with AUVSI on their new Trusted Operator Program (TOP). Amelia, along with multiple DARTdrones flight instructors, are working towards DARTdrones being one of the first TOP training partners.

About Amelia

Amelia is the Director of Training at DARTdrones Flight School.  A former Navy helicopter pilot, Amelia flew the SH-60F, HH-60H and MH-60S prior to transitioning to unmanned systems. She spent five years developing curriculum and implementing training for the Navy’s MQ-8 Fire Scout UAS and continues to instruct UAS operators as a current Naval reservist. Amelia is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds an M.S. in Environmental Science, a Commercial Pilot Certificate with fixed wing, helicopter and instrument ratings, and a Remote Pilot Certificate.

We are so proud to have Amelia as part of the DARTdrones Team and we look forward to many years to come. To learn more about our drone training, call our team at 800-264-3907 or email info@dartdrones.com.

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Meet a few of our expert flight instructors 

Mike Uleski

Our go-to public safety guy! Mike has been an aviation enthusiast from a very young age. He earned his private pilot’s license before graduating high school at the age of 18. Mike is an active Sergeant with a public safety department in Florida, where he is cross trained as a law enforcement officer, firefighter and EMT. He has extensive aviation expertise with a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Sciences from Embry-Riddle, a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine, multi-engine and instrument ratings, and 17 years of experience building and flying remote controlled aircraft.

Mike said, “DARTDrones is a unique company to work for as it combines both my passion for manned aviation and the new industry innovations that are being developed around unmanned aerial systems. Every day seems to bring about a new technology or technique, and being able to share and develop my knowledge with a great community is my favorite part of working for DARTDrones.”

Roger Hall

Expert flight instructor, Roger, became interested in drone aviation soon after retiring from a 25-year career in the fire service. During his tenure as a firefighter with the Nashua, NH Fire Rescue, he served as a member of the Hazmat and dive rescue teams. He is a licensed sport pilot and Certified Level 1 Thermagrapher who enjoys flying weight shift controlaircraft. Roger splits his time living in Naples, FL and Wells, ME; he enjoys training public service departments and assisting them with the implementation of UAS into their organizations as well as using drones to film at live events.

Roger said, “The #1 thing that drew me to choosing a career in the drone industry was the excitement of working in a burgeoning industry that had never existed before. There is unlimited potential for the commercial uses for drones, and to be part of this industry at from the very beginning excites and inspires me. One of the things I enjoy most about working for DARTdrones is being able to train such a diverse group of clients. Being able to share my passion for drones with industry leaders, people who have the foresight to implement unmanned aircraft into their organizations, as well as their employees, is extremely enjoyable. Also, the number of lives that will be saved by using drones is very meaningful and makes me proud of the work I do as a DARTdrones Flight Instructor.”

Colin Romberger

As Chief Flight Instructor for DARTdrones, Colin is responsible for both ongoing Instructor Development Initiatives, as well as the coordination of drone consultation services tailored to the specific use cases and operating environments of our corporate clients. Colin has consulted numerous companies and organizations on the use of sUAS for security purposes, including the Sikorsky Aircraft Company and the United States Air Force. As an operator of commercial unmanned aircraft systems since 2014, Colin was the first individual to secure a Section 333 Exemption from the FAA for unmanned aircraft operations in southcentral Pennsylvania. A lifelong enthusiast of all things that fly, Colin has accumulated a wealth of experience in variety of aviation industry sectors over the past 30 years. In 2015, Colin enrolled as a graduate student at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Colin graduated from ERAU in May 2016 as one of the first 5 students in the world to earn a Master’s Degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems with a focus in Flight Operations and Systems Design. In addition to his work with unmanned systems, Colin also holds multiple FAA Airman Certificates for manned aircraft operations. An avid aerobatic pilot and father of 5, Colin loves flying with his wife and kids whenever he can!

Chris Grazioso

For the past 28 years, Chris has worked in the EMS field focusing on EMS Special Operations and Emergency Management. He is also a member of a FEMA Urban Search and Rescue team and started using drone technology in their operations. Currently, they can be used for real time damage assessments and infrastructure inspections; GIS, mapping, and pictrometry; or just provide an eye in the sky for command staff on the ground. Chris has been interested in aviation his entire life and received his pilot’s license in 2010. He has made two literal cross country trips, flying with a friend from Boston to Florida and Boston to Alaska in a Piper Warrior.

Chris said, “I chose DARTdrones because after I researched different drone training programs online, DARTdrones was the most professional organization I found and I wanted to be part of it.  I loved the story of how it was started from an idea Abby had for a project in college and I love how you require all the instructors to hold a Part 61 pilot certificate. I am impressed on how we keep up with the rapid changing UAV industry with all of its legal changes and drone upgrades”.

Kevin Coughlin

Kevin is a Pulitzer Prize sharing drone photojournalist with more than 25 years of experience with numerous newspapers in the New York City area including: The New York Times, New York Post, and New York Daily News. His aerial photography is consistently published in Newsday on Long Island. In 2009, he started taking lessons and purchased his first airplane. He received his Private Pilot Certificate in 2011 and has logged more than 725 flight hours in aerial photography, with more than 500 hours as Pilot in Command. In 2014, he started practicing on drones as he saw this was the future of aerial photography. Kevin is an active member of the United States Air Force Auxiliary where he holds the grade of First Lieutenant and is mission rated in airborne photography.

The DARTdrones Team is always here to help! Whether you need Part 107 Test Prep, In-Person Flight Training, or Drone Consultation Services to ensure your flight operations are properly organized and run smoothly, our expert team of sUAS professionals are ready to help launch your organizations drone program. Check out www.dartdrones.com or call 800.264.3907 to learn more information.

The post Eastern Instructor Spotlight: Meet the DARTdrones’ Expert Flight Instructors appeared first on DARTdrones.

Aero-News Network’s Jim Campbell interviewed DARTdrones instructor Bob Wess at AMA Expo West. Campbell and Wess talked about many topics, including the burgeoning market.

“The commercial news business is growing by leaps and bounds,” he told the network.

They also discussed federal regulations, the importance of training and more. You can watch the full interview here.

About Bob Wess

Wess has 30 years of pilot experience, is a corporate pilot and a certified flight instructor. Bob served in the Marine Corps. and has degrees from National University and USC.

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DARTdrones CEO and co-founder Abby Speicher appeared on tecBRIDGE Radio on Saturday, Feb. 4, discussing the company, starting a company in her hometown, and how she got the business off the ground.

During the program, Abby spoke with host Marty Wolff, explaining current trends in the drone market, issues with federal regulations and other topics. You can hear the broadcast at www.tecbridgepa.org/tecbridge-radio. You can also catch radio episodes on iTunes, Google Play and Soundcloud.

TecBridge airs on 94.3FM The Talker at 11:30 a.m. every Saturday.

About DARTdrones: We are America’s leader in drone training, consultation, and expert support for new drone pilots. Our mission is to provide the highest quality training on Unmanned Aerial Systems to ensure the safe integration of drones into the national airspace. The company has more than 40 pilot instructors who combine for over 250 years of experience flying airplanes, jets and helicopters commercially and militarily. It offers classes for entrepreneurs, companies and government agencies online and in person in cities all over the country.

About Abby: The CEO and co-founder of DARTdroes, Abby Speicher started her first company when she was 17, selling purses made in Ghana with proceeds going back to the country. She started DARTdrones while finishing her MBA in entrepreneurship at Babson College

The post DARTdrones CEO and co-founder talks about company on tecBRIDGE Radio appeared first on DARTdrones.

Amelia Owre

Amelia graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and then spent eleven years on active duty in the Navy, flying and instructing in the MH-60S helicopter and MQ-8B Fire Scout UAV. She is currently a Naval reservist, where she continues to develop the UAS training curriculum for the Fire Scout in addition to training the next generation of Naval UAS aviators. She has logged over 350 hours training and evaluating new UAS operators as a Standardization instructor. When she’s not working with the Naval Reserve, Amelia curates and develops the curriculum for multiple DARTdrones courses.

Roger Hall

Roger is on the Aviation Board of Experts at DARTdrones and was one of our first flight instructors. After he retired from a 25-year career in the fire service, he found an interest in drone aviation. During his tenure as a firefighter with the Nashua, NH Fire Rescue, he served as a member of the Hazmat and dive rescue teams. He is a licensed sports pilot who enjoys flying weight shift control aircraft. He brings his qualifications to DARTdrones and its customers as a UAS flight instructor who trains government, commercial, and recreational drone pilots.

The post Meet our Two UAS Ground School Curriculum Developers! appeared first on DARTdrones.

Christina Martinez: DARTdrones Minnesota Flight Instructor

Me and my kiddos and a little toy drone we like to fly indoors.  I love to involve my kids as much as possible.  My 2 year old will be a visual observer for me when I fly for fun (Mommy – don’t hit the tree!) and I’ll often wear my 2 month old in her carrier when I fly my Phantom.

My mom raised us four kids alone in the suburbs of Chicago. We didn’t have a lot growing up, but she always taught us that we could be anything we wanted.  When my sister and I were 16, we decided we wanted to be pilots.  The local airport was a mile away and she encouraged us to get jobs at the restaurant there and use that money to pay for flight lessons.  She taught me that with a little hard work and determination, anything is possible!  Both my sister and I earned our private pilot licenses before we graduated high school.  My sister went on to serve in the Air Force and I got a BS in Aeronautics from University of North Dakota.

Alex Martin: DARTdrones Content Marketing Manager

Meet Martha. She hates flying. Always has, and always will. She supports me no matter what, and I know I can count on her. Thanks for everything Mom!

Jimmy Burkhart: DARTdrones Colorado Flight Instructor

Mom, I wish I had words to tell how much you mean to me. Thanks for all of your love and support. Happy Mom’s Day! Love, Your Son

Abby Speicher: DARTdrones Co-Founder and CEO

My mom is the most brave, selfless, and happy person I know. I don’t know she deals with me and my three crazy siblings, but all she cares about is that her kids are happy. She recently took up farming, beekeeping, and spending a lot of time with her “grandchicks”, seventeen chickens (one of which was killed by DARTdog!).

Thank you Mom for being so supportive and showing me that I can do anything. Every day I work to be more like you! Love, your favorite child.  : )

Kevin Coughlin: DARTdrones New York Flight Instructor

My Mom was always supportive in every endeavor I engaged in. For my sixth grade elementary school graduation, I asked for a Kodak Colorburst 100 camera. Mom asked: “Why a camera?” I said I wanted to become a photographer when I grow up. She didn’t hesitate to buy it for me and now, decades later, I am still immersed in photography. But today, it’s mostly aerial photography. Mom would have been proud to see me become a private pilot and today as a Flight Captain for DART Drones, training others to reach for the skies.

Happy Mothers’ Day to All from DARTdrones!

May Thisyamondol: DARTdrones Director of Marketing

May’s mom, Char, has been an inspiration to May to go out and follow her dreams. Char graduated cum laude from Law School and has been a working mother her whole life, raising 2 fairly difficult children. Although she currently works in Private Banking, she always seems to be there for her kids in times of need!

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With support from the Roswell Police Department Command Staff, St.Claire has been instrumental in introducing the benefits of the DJI Phantom II to the force, especially to assist with Crime Scenes and Serious Injury/Fatality Accident investigations.

Sign up for Georgia classes HERE

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