Droning On: Central Region

Droning On: Central Edition (May 12-14, 2022) was the first in a series of UAS community engagement events that is happening in all 9 of the FAA regions. The event was held at the University of Nebraska in Omaha. There were approximately 125 in attendance for the 3 day event.

The first day focused on education, the second day was all about Public Safety and Local government.

Central Region administrator, Joe Minaice gave opening remarks, as well as Deputy Administrator Deb Sanning. A representative from Nebraska Congressman Don Bacon’s office and Councilperson Juanita Johnson, City of Omaha, joined in to show their support.  Omaha Police Department Chief of Police Todd Schmaderer gave opening remarks to the public safety participants.  Astronaut Clay Andersen also participated. 


Presentations 

  • CTI colleges/universities and other area schools with UAS programs (we know of a few schools that hope to join the CTI because of this effort)!
  • BEYOND partner
  • Agriculture
  • Local/state Public Safety, emergency management, DOT(s)
  • FAA – PS, TRUST, Resources, UAS-CTI

Booths/tables/demos

  • STEM/local business (UAS group)
  • Local law enforcement
  • FPV and demos
  • FAA – STEM AVSED/UAS Integration office

Below are photos from the event. 

"Two photos plus a University of Nebraska Omaha logo. Photo on left is two women standing a classroom in front of a drone stencil. Photo on right is a tower building on a university campus"
FAA's UAS Integration Office's Alina George (Left) and Jonni Christensen, FAA's Central region STEM AVSED representative near one of the drone stencils participants used to find the event rooms.
"Man speaking in front of a computer screen"
Central Region Administrator Joe Minaice gives opening remarks
"A series of four photos showing speakers in a classroom and a person presenting at a table"
Speakers, drone demonstrations, CTI schools, public safety representatives, and BEYOND partners created a dynamic and interesting event for 125 people over three days. 
"image showing two men and a woman with her back turned showing the back of her shirt saying "drone safety" on the logo"
FAA's Steve Pansky (left) and Mike O'Shea (right) pointing out Diana Robinson's Drone Safety shirt 

 

Last updated: Thursday, September 22, 2022