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The project is …
25. August 2025
Veterans Soar To New Heights As Drone Industry Takes Off
The drone industry continues to soar as a new breed of professionals takes flight – veterans. With their unique blend of discipline, technology, and leadership expertise, these individuals are redefining the future of commercial UAV applications in various sectors such as inspections, emergency response, disaster management, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure development.
Across the United States, veterans are leveraging their skills in a new and innovative way. Decades of experience in military service have honed their ability to work under pressure, think critically, and lead teams with ease. These traits are now being applied to the rapidly expanding drone industry, where veteran-led companies are pioneering the use of drones for various applications.
One such veteran is Rahman “Ray” Richardson, founder and CEO of HiFly Aerial Drone Services. With 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Richardson has led logistics and operations across five countries. His experience has equipped him with the skills necessary to succeed in the commercial UAV sector. He launched HiFly Aerial Drone Services, which now employs a team of pilots and operations experts, delivering thermal inspections, 3D mapping, and construction monitoring across the Intermountain West.
“We’ve swapped cargo planes and convoys for quadcopters and cloud processing,” Richardson notes, “but the mission mindset hasn’t changed.” This dedication to discipline and purpose is echoed by other veteran-led drone companies, who are driving innovation and growth in the industry. By leveraging their military background, veterans bring a unique set of skills that are essential for success in the commercial UAV sector.
Veterans make exceptional drone operators due to several key factors:
- Mission Planning is in Our DNA: Veterans are trained to think in layers – strategy, safety, execution. This mindset is essential for FAA Part 107 compliance, airspace coordination, and risk management.
- Tech-Forward and Fearless: Military professionals are no strangers to cutting-edge technology. They adapt quickly to UAV platforms, sensors, AI, and GIS tools like DroneDeploy.
- Regulatory Fluency: Veterans navigate regulated environments with confidence – and often exceed what’s required, especially in areas like BVLOS operations and infrastructure inspections.
- Leadership Under Pressure: Every drone flight is a mission. Veterans bring calm under pressure, clarity in chaos, and a client-ready professionalism that builds trust and delivers results.
For many veterans, drone entrepreneurship is more than just a job – it’s a form of post-service reintegration. It’s tactical. It’s mobile. It’s purpose-driven. With VA programs like Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E), more veterans are entering this field with access to gear, training, and startup support.
Veteran-owned UAV companies are pioneering the future of various industries, including disaster response and search-and-rescue, wildfire risk mitigation and environmental mapping, AI-powered inspections for solar, wind, and infrastructure, 3D construction progress modeling, drone light shows, and sustainable event tech. As the FAA evolves standards for BVLOS, Remote ID, and UTM, there’s never been a better moment for veterans to carve out space in the aerial economy.
The future of commercial UAV applications is indeed in the air – and veterans are leading it. To tap into this expertise, the industry can benefit from hiring veteran pilots, partnering with veteran-owned UAV firms, sponsoring training programs, and recognizing their contributions. By embracing the skills and experience of veterans, companies can access a new generation of mission-ready professionals who will drive excellence, safety, and purpose in the skies.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, it’s clear that the future is indeed in the air – and veterans are at the forefront of innovation and growth in the drone industry. As the industry continues to expand, veteran-led companies will play a vital role in shaping its future.