The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) has established its first Industry Advisory Board, enlisting senior leaders from across the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector to help align education, training, and industry-recognized credentials with the workforce demands of a rapidly evolving industry. The board held its inaugural meeting on September 2, 2026, at the Commercial UAV Expo and Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The timing reflects a critical juncture for the UAS industry. The Federal Aviation Administration's proposed Part 108 framework aims to create a more predictable pathway for routine, scalable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. The proposal addresses operating authorizations, aircraft airworthiness, separation from other aircraft, security, recordkeeping, third-party services, and organizational responsibilities. As the industry awaits final action, employers and educators face a shared question: how should the workforce prepare for operations that are more automated, more distributed, and more closely integrated with the National Airspace System?
Josh Olds, President and CEO of USI, emphasized that the board is not ceremonial. "The strongest training programs are built with the people responsible for putting technology to work safely," Olds said. "We are asking these leaders to examine our assumptions, challenge our priorities and help us keep education aligned with what employers and operators will actually need as the industry moves into its next phase."
Part 108 will not simply introduce another set of rules. If finalized broadly as proposed, it could accelerate the transition from individual flights to repeatable programs that use fleets, remote operations, automation, and UAS Traffic Management services. That transition will require professionals who can operate within safety management systems, maintain aircraft and systems, coordinate missions, manage data, assess risk, and lead accountable programs.
Those needs reach beyond commercial operators. High schools and colleges need clearer signals about the knowledge and capabilities employers will value. Companies need reliable ways to identify and develop qualified talent. Individuals need pathways that connect learning to credible career opportunities. The advisory board will help USI interpret those signals and translate them into practical education and workforce-development decisions.
The board will advise USI in four primary areas: validating curriculum against current operating practice; identifying emerging job roles and skill gaps; strengthening the connection among education, credentials, and employer expectations; and maintaining an aviation-grade focus on safety as technology and regulation change. USI will remain responsible for curriculum, certification, and program decisions.
The inaugural members bring deep expertise from major operators and organizations. Andrew Spiegel, Senior Vice President and Head of Unmanned Aircraft Underwriting at United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG), offers a risk-management perspective. Calvin Rieb, Senior Director and Global Remotely Operated Systems Leader at Cargill, has led Cargill's global drone program for seven years. Drew Talley, Head of Flight Operations at Skyways, leads autonomous cargo aircraft operations. Jim Ogletree, Chief Pilot at Amazon Prime Air, is involved in Amazon's commercial drone delivery program. Joseph Keck, Aviation Safety and Drone Manager at MGM Resorts International, brings extensive hands-on aviation experience. Kyle Miller, Head of Infrastructure Markets at Censys Technologies, focuses on BVLOS operations for infrastructure. Matt Gulsvig pioneered the use of drones at American Tower. Nate Robie leads unmanned systems strategy at Dominion Energy and serves on the FAA's BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee. Rita Castonguay-Hunt is a pilot and program director specializing in crewed and uncrewed aviation operations. Toni Drummond, Founder and Managing Director of Future Flight Global, works to advance electric, hybrid, and unmanned aviation. Will Dawson founded the Agricultural Drone Initiative. Will Wheeler, Principal, UAS for Southern Company, leads enterprise uncrewed aircraft strategy.
For more information about USI's Advisory Board, visit https://www.flyusi.org/about/advisory-board. To learn more about USI, visit www.flyusi.org.
