In Episode 16 of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez is joined by Scott Lashmit, the UAS Aviation Manager at Cyberhawk.
Scott discusses a variety of topics including how he went from a high school science teacher on the East Coast to a drone specialist in Denver Colorado.
Topics Covered:
● How using drones can save millions in detecting early warning signs amongst infrastructure
● How drones can also be used to calmly clean your gutters
● The 10x power of drones versus a ground sweep
● How drones used to be considered toys, but now are integral tools in various markets
● The technology bottlenecks of regulatory guidelines
● How it leads to a successful ‘crawl, walk, run’ approach
● The best practices when working with the FAA
● Why everyone needs to ‘get on the sticks’
● How to become a Commercial Pilot
They also might discuss their shared hatred of the New York Yankees… oops.
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Drones are transforming how utilities protect communities and critical infrastructure. From wildfire prevention to safer inspections, drone technology is reshaping safety standards across the industry.In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we explore:
Whether you’re in utilities, technology, or simply curious about how drones are making our world safer, this video breaks down the innovations changing the game.
How are drones shaping the future of education and careers? In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we sit down with Tonie Smith, educator and drone program leader, to explore how drones are opening new career pathways, transforming classrooms, and supporting real-world applications like the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program with the Chula Vista Police Department.Tonie shares her journey into drones, her passion for teaching, and how she’s helping prepare the next generation of drone pilots and innovators. Whether you’re curious about starting a career in drones, interested in aviation education, or exploring how unmanned systems are changing industries, this conversation is packed with insights and inspiration.
Enjoy the show!
In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we explore how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are reshaping the future of law enforcement and public safety — from rapid response and search-and-rescue missions to accident reconstruction and tactical operations.Former State Trooper and aviation pioneer Ron Leach shares his journey from piloting helicopters to launching one of the first comprehensive drone programs for public safety. He discusses the challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned while integrating drone technology into police work — and how it’s helping save time, resources, and even lives.Enjoy the show!
In this episode of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez sits down with Ray Adams, President of Airde Elevated Thinking, to explore the innovation and impact behind the Cape-Atlantic UAS Test Range in Cape May County, New Jersey.With a 60-by-60-mile test area reaching up to 7,000 feet, the Cape-Atlantic UAS Test Range is designed for advanced drone operations, offering a unique space for large UAS platforms to operate safely alongside manned air traffic. Ray shares insights into how this range is enabling safe drone integration into the national airspace — and why it's a critical asset for the future of unmanned aviation.Topics Covered:‣ The origin and purpose of the Cape Atlantic UAS Test Range‣ How the range supports large drone testing and BBLOS training‣ Managing airspace integration with manned aviation systems‣ Risk management strategies and stakeholder engagement‣ FAA Part 108 and its implications for drone operators‣ Emerging partnerships for counter-UAS and enterprise trainingWhether you're a drone operator, program manager, or aviation stakeholder, this conversation offers a front-row look at how Cape May is becoming a launchpad for innovation in unmanned systems.
In a special episode of The Unmanned Podcast, we're coming to you live from the Commercial UAV Expo in Las Vegas, where we’re joined by leaders from Cargill, Quanta Aviation Services, and Censys Technologies for a roundtable on the current and future state of drone operations. From asset inspections and vegetation management to the impact of Part 108 and public perception, we cover it all.
What’s real about drone autonomy? How do you prove ROI? And how is the workforce evolving to meet the demands of BVLOS and dock-based operations?
Panelists:· Calvin Rieb – Cargill / Isaac Piche – Quanta Aviation Services / Kyle Miller – Censys Technologies. Hosted by Matt Hernandez and Josh Olds of USI.
Topics Covered:
If you're in the drone industry or exploring how unmanned systems can fit into your business, this conversation is a must. Thanks for watching and listening! Please share with your network if you find this information valuable.
In Episode Ten of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez sits down with Isaac Piche, UAS Standards and Operations Manager at Quanta Aviation, to explore why drones are now being treated with the same rigor and safety standards as helicopters.From utility inspections to large-scale construction projects, Quanta Aviation operates across some of the most complex environments in the world. Isaac shares how drones have shifted from hobbyist “toys” into essential aviation tools — requiring the same compliance, safety management systems, and operational discipline as manned aircraft.Topics Covered:
Whether you’re a drone pilot, aviation professional, or just curious about how drones are transforming utilities and infrastructure, this episode highlights the future of unmanned systems and why safety is the cornerstone of scaling operations.
In Episode 9 of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez sits down with Lisa Swartzwelder and Nikki Stancampiano from the PAST Foundation (Partnering Anthropology with Science and Technology).From their innovative lab space in Columbus, Ohio, PAST is reimagining how we prepare students and teachers for the future of STEM and aviation. Their Power Up Your Potential program connects students to hands-on drone experiences, internships, and real-world mentors — helping shape the next generation of engineers, pilots, and innovators.Topics we cover in this conversation: ‣ PAST Foundation’s mission of “linking learning to life”‣ Why drones are no longer “emerging tech” but an essential skillset‣ The challenges teachers face keeping up with AI, drones, and new technologies‣ Creative solutions like portable innovation labs & industry-recognized credentials‣ Inspiring success stories of students earning Part 107 licenses and landing aviation internships‣ How PAST is breaking barriers for underrepresented communities in aviation and STEM
Whether you’re an educator, parent, or industry leader, this episode offers an exciting look at how PAST Foundation is building bridges between classrooms and careers in drones, aviation, and beyond.
Enjoy the show!
The FAA’s new Part 108 proposal could change BVLOS drone operations forever. In this special episode of The Unmanned Podcast, industry leaders from USI and Censys Technologies break down what’s in the NPRM, how it compares to Part 107, and what it could mean for operators, educators, and tech providers.
Podcast Guests: Josh Olds, CEO of USI, Alex Mirot, VP of Product Development at USI, and Rob Knochenhauer from Censys Technologies.
As always, our host Matt Hernandez leads the conversation.
Topics covered:
Listen now to get ahead of the FAA’s biggest drone rule change in years.
In Episode Seven of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez speaks with Chris Strasbaugh, Director of Learning Technologies at The Ohio State University, about how drone education is evolving in Higher Ed - and why autonomy is the future of the industry.Chris shares his unconventional journey from photography and archiving to leading one of the most forward-thinking UAS education initiatives in the country. This episode explores how post-secondary drone programs are preparing students to be job-ready, industry-certified, and equipped to lead in an increasingly autonomous landscape.Topics:
Enjoy!
In Episode Six of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez talks with Alice Griffith, Senior Director of State and Commercial Aviation at Crown Innovations (formerly Crown Consulting). Alice shares her unexpected journey into the drone industry—from a background in ground logistics to becoming a leader in unmanned systems strategy and policy.Together, they dive into how state-level aviation initiatives are shaping drone integration, the complexities of unmanned traffic management (UTM), and how regulatory frameworks vary across the country.Topics Covered:
In Episode Five of The Unmanned Podcast, Matt Hernandez sits down with Andrew Karas - airline transport pilot, certified flight instructor, and UAS professional - to discuss the critical role of standards and safety in the evolving world of drone operations. As Director of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), Andrew shares how lessons from crewed aviation are shaping unmanned systems.
Topics Covered:
Enjoy the show. Visit us to learn more at www.flyusi.org.
In Episode Four of The Unmanned Podcast, Matt Hernandez interviews Kyle Miller, Director of Sales at Censys Technologies, to explore the next frontier in drone operations—BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight)—and the technologies making it safer and more scalable.
Topics Covered:
Enjoy the show!
In Episode Three of The Unmanned Podcast, Matt Hernandez interviews Calvin Rieb, Global ROS Leader at Cargill, to explore how one of the world’s largest agricultural companies uses drones to enhance safety, efficiency, and innovation on a global scale.
Topics Covered:
💡 Calvin also shares lessons from aviation, leadership, and managing a multinational drone operation—from legal barriers to real-time risk reduction.
Enjoy!
In Episode Two of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez welcomes Dave Haynes, Managing Partner of Haynes & Associates, to explore the vital role of drones in building smarter, safer communities through public safety operations, digital infrastructure, and next-gen data systems.
Topics Covered:
From deploying drones in crisis zones to the rise of smart cities, gain actionable insights into where the drone industry is headed—and how to build a career or company aligned with that future.
In Episode One of The Unmanned Podcast, host Matt Hernandez interviews Josh Olds, President & CEO of the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI), a national leader in drone safety training and workforce development.
Topics covered:
Whether you’re a student, pilot, technician, or industry leader, this episode gives actionable insights on how to succeed in the fast-evolving unmanned systems industry.
Learn more about USI: https://www.unmannedsafetyinstitute.org
