Press Coverage

MAY 2019 csengineermag.com 35 and regulatory compliance. By utilizing a drone we can reduce the time needed to collect the data and reduce the time spent in potentially hazardous sites. Drones do not eliminate the need for a survey crew, but we can reduce and sometimes eliminate their time in the most haz- ardous environments which reduces risk to our personnel. With sound survey and drone methodologies, we are able to collect the necessary data while minimizing risk. C+S: Looking at your CV, it appears that UAS technology has various applications – environmental, security, construction, marketing, and charity, among others. Do you approach the different applications with a different mindset, or do you undertake all projects in the same way? DB: Yes, we approach each project based on the specific application and product needed. One of the first things I talk about when giving a presentation on UAS is the right tool for the job. Knowing the purpose and product for a project should define the tools and methods used to achieve the desired results. Knowing the kind of data you need also defines the "how," i.e., a multispectral, thermal and mapping payload/ camera can define the drone used, what altitude flown and speed for a given flight. We have drones that excel at mapping, but would not be the best choice for beauty photography or videography. Likewise, with regard to the methods used to fly or collect the data. We analyze each project's needs before going to the field. C+S: Has the UAS industry matured, or is there still room for growth, both in the technology itself and in market share? DB: The industry is one of the fastest growing and evolving I have had the privilege to witness. The innovation of the small Unmanned Aircraft cameras and software is fueled by Silicon Valley startups and venture capitalist wanting to capitalize on a relatively new market. The competitive landscape has seen many companies rise and fall with Chi- na based DJI taking the majority of the drone hobby and commercial market share. There is a lot of maturing ahead for the industry. Hobby and Commercial technological improvements are coming. Rules and regulations have evolved and will continue to evolve as well. C+S: You are one of the very few people that the government has al- lowed to conduct drone operations inside the 14-mile Washington DC Security Flight Restricted Zone. What a big responsibility. What goes through your mind while operating in such a sensitive area? DB: Yes, it is a big responsibility and one of the more stressful things I have done. The first time was a test of my nerves, but we had every- thing planned, including a Crew Resource Management plan of who was doing what and when before, during, and after the operation. We did our pre-flight briefing as usual and executed the mission exactly as we planned. We were very aware that we were operating in very sensitive airspace, but we focused on the job at hand. C+S: You currently serve as the Chair of the Unmanned Systems As- sociation of Virginia. What are a few of the key issues this organization is addressing? What's the focus of the advocacy? DB: USAV is focused on keeping Virginia legislatively friendly for the Unmanned Systems industry. This is more than drones. We have ground robots as well as above and below water systems. We want to be the voice for the unmanned systems industry in Virginia and to work with our legislators on ensuring Virginia is a place that supports innovation, collaboration, and growth in the unmanned systems indus- try. In recent years various bills have been introduced that could have impacted unmanned systems, USAV worked to ensure the industry was not negatively impacted by overly broad language. We also worked to get a prohibition on localities and political subdivisions regulating unmanned systems. Many localities outside of Virginia have enacted laws regarding the operation of drones and that is something we really did not want to happen in Virginia. A patchwork of rules and regula- tions would hinder the unmanned system industry and economy. C+S: Where is the center of the UAS industry in the United States, in terms of UAS production, development of technology, policy, etc.? If not in one place, are there scattered hotspots? DB: I am biased; however, I would say Virginia is the center. Being so close to Washington, D.C. helps with participation in federal policy process and Virginia has a large industry of government and military UAS firms as well as a significant amount of small UAS industry. There are multiple hotspots around the country doing some really great things in the small UAS industry. For example, the FAA awarded ten UAS Integration Pilot Programs (IPP) to test and validate advanced operations for drones in partnership with state and local governments in select jurisdictions. One of the winners is Virginia's Center for Inno- vative Technology which is partnered with the Virginia Tech UAS Test Site. Significant progress with Beyond Visual Line of Site and UAS David Barton is about to launch a drone for one of his many specialties, landfill mapping. Photo: Draper Aden Associates

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