Explore the future of Unmanned Aircraft Systems at the SC Aerospace Conference & Expo

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or “drones,” as most of us know them, are being used in new and exciting ways.

Right here in Columbia, UAS are being utilized to promote economic development, provide mapping data and assess infrastructure damage. In October 2015, amid the historic flooding that affected much of South Carolina, UAS were used to monitor damage, particularly in areas that were unsafe for vehicles.

This year’s conference will include a three-part session titled “Navigating the Future of Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” designed specifically to discuss the future of this rapidly growing sector of the aerospace industry.

AN INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

presented by Brian Wynne, president and CEO of Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)

AUVSI is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics. It represents more than 7,000 members from approximately 60 countries involved in the fields of government, industry and academia. Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI, brings in-depth experience in transportation and technology applications gained through leadership roles with industry associations and public-private partnerships. Prior to joining AUVSI in January 2015, he was president and CEO of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA).

DRONE SAFETY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

presented by Lawrence H. Brinker, Esq., president and CEO (interim) of NUAIR Alliance

Brinker is an experienced pilot and aviation attorney currently serving as president & CEO of the NUAIR Alliance, a New York nonprofit corporation with more than 70 public, private and academic partners committed to growing a robust, unmanned systems and connected vehicles industry sector. With 25 years of total active and reserve service in the U.S. Air Force, Brinker is a FAA-rated airline transport pilot with multiple type ratings and more than 8,000 international and domestic flying hours. He also is a FAA-rated flight engineer in turbo-jet aircraft.

THE USE OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTION

Presented by Shane D. Boone, Ph.D., vice president of Nondestructive Evaluation with BDI

Boone is Vice President of Nondestructive Evaluation at BDI. He has spent nearly 15 years in the government, academic and private sectors of specialized infrastructure inspection and monitoring. Boone specializes in the research, development and application of nondestructive testing & evaluation (NDT/NDE) technologies and health monitoring for the transportation, nuclear, power, oil and gas, defense and telecom industries, among others. Prior to joining BDI, he founded SDB Technologies Inc., which, in July 2016, merged with BDI.

Speakers, sessions, exhibitors and sponsors are lining up for this year’s SC Aerospace Conference and Expo. Make sure you stay in-the-know by signing up for our email updates.