Training Tomorrow's Drone Pilots: Michael Hill, Unmanned Safety Institute

Training Tomorrow's Drone Pilots: Michael Hill, Unmanned Safety Institute

Author: Randy Goers May 20, 2025 Duration: 33:53

Michael Hill is Program Manager of College Workforce Programs at the Unmanned Safety Institute.  The Unmanned Safety Institute or USI is an approved training partner of ASTM International and the International Business Aviation Council. The Institute is dedicated to improving safety in unmanned aviation by applying time-honored aviation safety practices to unmanned aircraft systems. USI accomplishes this mission by developing workforce readiness programs, providing training to UAS crews, and helping flight service providers meet their safety goals.

Michael is a certified UAV pilot in three countries with over 6,000 flight hours and more than 7,800 successful, incident-free missions as a Remote Pilot-in-Command. He holds industry and safety certifications from FEMA, OSHA, NIST, and USI. He is a highly sought-after public speaker and industry influencer, passionate about sharing his expertise on UAV technology applications for land, air, and sea operations. He brings a wealth of experience to USI, including aerial mapping, telecom and wind turbine inspections, oil and gas and critical infrastructure assessments, search and rescue operations, as well as involvement with state and federal regulations.

An active advocate for the drone industry, he has served as the Policy and Legislative Chairman for the North Central Texas Council of Governments UAS Taskforce and as the Training Officer for the North Texas Public Safety Unmanned Response Team.  Additionally, he holds the role of 2nd Lieutenant and the former Director of Unmanned Operations for the Texas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.

In this addition of the Drone Radio Show, Michael talks about the Unmanned Safety Institute and how it helps prepare students for viable careers in the drone industry.


Hosted by Randy Goers, Drone Radio Show is a weekly conversation that moves beyond the basic buzz of propellers. It focuses on the human stories and practical applications shaping the world of unmanned flight. Each episode connects you directly with the pilots, entrepreneurs, and innovators who are actively deploying this technology in the field. You'll hear firsthand accounts of how drones are solving real problems, creating new market opportunities, and driving research forward in unexpected ways. This isn't just about the hardware; it's about the lessons learned while building a business from the ground up, the ethical considerations navigated during a project, and the personal insights gained from turning a fascination into a profession. For anyone curious about how aerial technology is applied across industries-from agriculture and construction to filmmaking and environmental conservation-this podcast offers a grounded perspective. Tune in for honest discussions that cut through the hype, providing actionable knowledge whether you're a seasoned operator, an aspiring professional, or simply intrigued by where this fast-moving technology is headed next.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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