From RC Hobbyist to Drone Pioneer: Jon McBride on VTOL Evolution and the Birth of Modern Drone Training

In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host Joe Kearns speaks with Jon McBride, a veteran drone industry pioneer and chairman of the droning company. They discuss Jon's journey from RC enthusiast to Marine Corps instructor to drone technology innovator, exploring the evolution of drone technology and the development of modern training standards.

In this episode of Dronecast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, host Joe Kearns speaks with Jon McBride, a veteran drone industry pioneer and chairman of the droning company. The conversation traces Jon's fascinating journey from RC hobbyist through his Marine Corps experience to becoming a key figure in drone technology innovation. They explore the evolution from multi-rotors to modern drones, the development of DFR (Drone First Responder) programs, and Jon's instrumental role in establishing training standards through the Autel Robotics Training Center. The episode culminates with insights into VTOL technology and the Dragonfish platform, offering a unique perspective on the industry's growth and future potential.

Episode Highlights:

[04:35] Jon shares his early passion for RC aircraft and how his Marine Corps experience as an electronics technician and marksmanship instructor shaped his approach to drone technology and training.
[12:06] A detailed discussion of the DFR (Drone First Responder) concept evolution and its impact on remote piloting capabilities.
[18:31] Jon breaks down the current state of the drone industry into three keywords: fragmented, collaboration, and innovation, providing insight into industry dynamics.
[29:06] The conversation turns to VTOL technology and the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Dragonfish platform.
[31:12] Jon details the specific training requirements and safety considerations for advanced VTOL systems like the Dragonfish.