The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) has established its first Industry Advisory Board, a move that could reshape how the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) workforce is trained and credentialed as the industry braces for sweeping regulatory changes. The board, comprising leaders from across the UAS ecosystem, held its inaugural meeting on September 2, 2026, at the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas. Its formation signals a proactive effort to bridge the gap between education and the operational realities of a rapidly evolving sector.
The timing is critical. The Federal Aviation Administration's proposed Part 108 framework aims to create a predictable pathway for routine, scalable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. If finalized as proposed, Part 108 would address far more than piloting: it would encompass operating authorizations, aircraft airworthiness, separation from other aircraft, security, recordkeeping, third-party services, and organizational responsibilities. This regulatory shift could accelerate the transition from individual flights to repeatable programs using fleets, remote operations, automation, and UAS Traffic Management services. Consequently, the workforce will need professionals skilled in safety management systems, aircraft maintenance, mission coordination, data management, risk assessment, and program leadership.
USI President and CEO Josh Olds emphasized the board's substantive role: "The strongest training programs are built with the people responsible for putting technology to work safely. This board is not ceremonial. 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." The board will provide strategic insight and candid feedback as USI evaluates existing programs and develops new pathways for students, educators, operators, and employers.
The implications extend 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's charge covers 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 use the board's feedback to evaluate where programs should evolve, where new learning pathways may be needed, and where industry expectations remain unsettled. The board will serve in an advisory capacity, with USI retaining responsibility for curriculum, certification, and program decisions.
The inaugural members bring a wealth of experience from diverse sectors. Andrew Spiegel, Senior Vice President at USAIG, offers expertise in aviation risk and unmanned underwriting. Calvin Rieb of Cargill leads global remotely operated systems, while Drew Talley of Skyways oversees autonomous cargo operations. Jim Ogletree, Chief Pilot at Amazon Prime Air, provides insight into large-scale drone delivery. Joseph Keck of MGM Resorts International specializes in aviation safety and drone management. Kyle Miller of Censys Technologies focuses on BVLOS operations for infrastructure. Matt Gulsvig, who pioneered American Tower's UAS program, brings enterprise deployment experience. Nate Robie of Dominion Energy serves on the FAA's BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee. Rita Castonguay-Hunt is a pilot and program director specializing in crewed and uncrewed operations. Toni Drummond of Future Flight Global advances advanced air mobility. Will Dawson founded the Agricultural Drone Initiative, and Will Wheeler leads UAS strategy at Southern Company.
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.
