Celebrating the saves, wins, and heroic feats of our customers in their every day work.

The Aerial Achievement Awards were created to show the world the incredible work achieved with Skydio drone programs, giving recognition to those who are doing big things.

2025 Aerial Achievement Awards Winners

Award Category:
Social Impact
Faulkner County Sherriff's Office

The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit (FCSORU) is an all-volunteer team of fully certified law enforcement officers who contribute more than 8,000 hours of service each year. Through a community-funded partnership, the unit launched a Skydio drone program to bring advanced technology to rural areas of Arkansas.

Award Category:
Program Excellence
U.S. Air Force

At Travis Air Force Base, the 60th Maintenance Group completed the DoD’s first in-house drone training for aircraft inspection, enabling Airmen to detect cracks and corrosion without lifts or harnesses. The program is saving thousands of man-hours while improving readiness and fleet safety.

Award Category:
Program Excellence
American Electric Power

In residential and commercial areas, AEP’s docked drones inspect distribution lines within a 3-mile radius with a Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) waiver from the FAA. They are the first program to routinely monitor infrastructure in dense, populated environments.

Award Category:
Program Excellence
New York Power Authority

The New York Power Authority uses drones to remotely inspect hazardous, hard-to-access infrastructure including hydropower plants such as dams. By choosing to risk the machine, not the person, NYPA improves safety while capturing detailed visual data—enabling efficient, informed maintenance without sending inspectors into dangerous environments.

Award Category:
Program Excellence
Southern California Edison

Southern California Edison (SCE) is setting a new benchmark in utility drone operations with one of the largest autonomous inspection programs in the country. With more than 100 drones in deployment and additional docked systems on the way, SCE has redefined how inspections are conducted across transmission lines, distribution networks, substations, and high fire risk areas.

Award Category:
Program Excellence
Redmond Police Department

Redmond officers responded to a reported missing endangered 80-year-old man who suffers from dementia and diabetes. Officers searched the heavily wooded area nearby but were unable to locate him. A drone was deployed, and the man was found uninjured and reunited with his family.

Award Category:
Program Excellence
Las Vegas Metro Police Department

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s DFR program provided critical aerial support during a nighttime rescue on Lone Mountain. Using spotlights and live feeds, the drone team guided rescuers to a stranded climber, helping ensure a safe recovery under challenging conditions.

Award Category:
Best New Program of the Year
West Palm Beach Police Department

Since launching in July 2024, West Palm Beach PD’s DFR program has flown over 1,900 missions, with drones often arriving first on scene. Integrated with Axon systems and FAA waivers, the initiative supports patrol, SWAT, and federal partners with real-time aerial intelligence.

Award Category:
Best New Program of the Year
Philadelphia Police Department

Philadelphia Police launched DFR operations in July 2024, supporting incidents from missing persons to major events like the Eagles’ Super Bowl celebration. With proven impact on response and safety, the program is becoming a key asset in the city’s public safety strategy.

Award Category:
Best New Program of the Year
Turner Construction

Turner Construction’s Digital Superintendent is a fully-autonomous, always-available resource to provide continuous site visibility without increasing headcount. By automating routine site scans and integrating real-time data into existing workflows, they are reducing the lag between observation and action.

Award Category:
Achievements in Innovation
Dominion Energy

Dominion Energy is transforming infrastructure inspections with drone docks deployed across solar sites and substations. Autonomous flights enable faster, safer asset monitoring, setting a new standard for operational efficiency and grid resilience in the utility sector.

Award Category:
Achievements in Innovation
LNG Canada

LNG Canada has deployed Canada’s first docked drone for thermal flare monitoring, capturing critical data at over 1,200°C. Operating in extreme environments, the system enhances safety and efficiency while advancing the standard for industrial inspection technology.

Award Category:
Achievements in Innovation
Caltrans

Through the SOAR program, Caltrans and Alaska DOT&PF are deploying solar-powered drone docks for infrastructure monitoring and emergency response. From remote villages to urban centers, these autonomous flights deliver real-time GIS data to accelerate public works decisions.

Award Category:
Achievements in Innovation
U.S. Army

The U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division is using the Skydio X10D to stream live video between field teams and command units. This real-time aerial network boosts targeting speed, situational awareness, and mission coordination across tactical operations at scale.

Award Category:
Achievements in Innovation
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

The Pasco County Unmanned Systems Task Force bridges jurisdictional boundaries by uniting Fire, EMS, and LEAs under a single drone ops framework. Equipment, expertise, and best practices flow freely between agencies, maximizing resource efficiency and unlocking faster responses in emergencies. This first-of-its-kind model redefines how public safety agencies collaborate.

Award Category:
Photography
Orange County Sheriff’s Office

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida is using drones to enhance public safety, with daily deployments supporting search and rescue, tactical missions, and emergency response. Integrated Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations offer critical real-time visibility for deputies on the ground.

Award Category:
Lifesaving Achievement
Oklahoma City PD & FD

When a man was critically injured by a train, OKCPD’s DFR drone located him and guided fire crews to the scene. The rapid aerial response enabled life-saving care, underscoring the power of drone integration between police and fire teams in high-risk emergencies.

Award Category:
Lifesaving Achievement
Redmond Police Department

Redmond officers responded to a reported missing endangered 80-year-old man who suffers from dementia and diabetes. Officers searched the heavily wooded area nearby but were unable to locate him. A drone was deployed, and the man was found uninjured and reunited with his family.

Award Category:
Lifesaving Achievement
Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department

Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a critical incident involving two young children, ages 7 and 9, armed with a loaded firearm. Using real-time aerial support from the X10, deputies maintained situational awareness and safely secured the scene—preventing what could have become a deadly force encounter.

Award Category:
Lifesaving Achievement
New York City Police Department

NYC’s DFR program has flown over 340 missions to combat subway surfing, directly saving 200 lives. Combining rescue and prevention, the initiative helps identify at-risk youth while addressing one of the city’s most urgent public safety concerns.

Award Category:
Lifesaving Achievement
Alaska DOT&PF

After a record glacial flood in August 2025, Alaska DOT&PF used Skydio drones to fly 77 missions across the Mendenhall River. Aerial monitoring of bridges, erosion, and barriers ensured real-time coordination, helping protect infrastructure and speed emergency response.

Award Category:
Lifesaving Achievement
Las Vegas Metro Police Department

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s DFR program provided critical aerial support during a nighttime rescue on Lone Mountain. Using spotlights and live feeds, the drone team guided rescuers to a stranded climber, helping ensure a safe recovery under challenging conditions.

2024 Winners

Check out the aerial achievements of our last years winners

See 2024 Winners

Award Winner Experience

Person receiving Skydio award

Aerial Achievement
Award winners receive:

Skydio Award Trophy

a beautiful hand-casted Statuette, the symbol of Drone excellence

Industry Recognition

Celebration at Skydio Ascend Awards Spotlight

Skydio For All charitable donation

Donation to the winner’s selected community organization subject to applicable policy and regulation.

Award Categories

Program Excellence
Best New Program of the Year
Achievements in Innovation
Social Impact
Photography
Lifesaving Achievements
Row of Skydio people smiling

The Aerial Achievement Awards are for those who take on the monumentous challenge of building a safer, better future with Skydio technology

...and we applaud you.

Skydio Ascend keynote audience

Entry Information

Submission process

01

Pick your
biggest win

02

Fill out the award
nomination form

03

Entries are
evaluated

04

Winners are selected
and recognized

Entry requirements

Entry Brief:
Award nominations should include a story description illustrating how you or other customers have used their suite of Skydio products to improve outcomes in the field. Whether saving time, saving lives or serving the community — we want to hear all of the gritty details.

Person arm holding drone

Video / Audio Submission:
Entries must include Skydio camera footage or other supporting media. Submitted content must be suitable for unrestricted publication and use by Skydio.

Two policemen using drone controller

Eligibility

Nominations for Skydio Aerial Achievement Awards are open to any organization or person who uses a Skydio drone (any model) to improve outcomes in their field of work.

  • Video footage or still imagery of the event is required for winner(s)
  • Event must have occurred within the last two years
  • Event must be qualified and approved for external publication and celebration
Masonry grid of people using drones

*Participants attest that they are eligible to participate based on their local jurisdiction, and as applicable, their agency requirements. Skydio is committed to following and implementing necessary measures to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements.

Questions?

FAQs

What are the Award Categories?

Examples of Skydio Award Categories may include but are not limited* to:

  • Program Excellence
  • Lifesaving Achievements
  • Best New Program of the Year
  • Achievements in Innovation
  • Social Impact
  • Photography
Will more than one award be given per category?

Depending on the specific award and eligible nominations, and subject to Skydio’s sole discretion, more than one award may be granted per category.

How will the final Award winners be selected?

Award nominations will be reviewed by a panel of Skydio experts and executives.

How will nominees be notified of their nominations?

Nominees will be notified via email communications from Awards@Skydio.com

How will Award winners be notified of their Award?

Award winners will be announced at Ascend 2025, during the Customer Awards Spotlight taking place on September 17, 2025 in Santa Cruz County, CA. This event will also be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person.

How many times can an agency or individual be nominated?

There is no limit to the number of nominees any one agency, organization or individual can receive.

Can a nominee receive multiple awards?

Yes, there is no limit to the number of Awards an individual or Agency may receive.

Do I have to submit photos or videos with my nomination?

Photos or videos are required in order for nominees to be selected as winners. Photo or video assets should help to support the story of the nomination and can include but are not limited to, Skydio Drone footage of the incident, body cam or other peripheral video content of the nominated event, headshot or profile image of the nominated individual or other supplemental content such as news media that helps depict the story or profile of the nomination.

Does the content associated with a nomination need to be approved for external use?

Yes, all content submitted as part of the Award nomination process must be approved for external use and promotion.

Can Skydio use the content associated with a nomination even if it is not selected for an Award?

Yes, Skydio may use the content associated with a nomination even if it is not selected for an Award so as to provide the nominee with Industry recognition for their achievements.

When does the nomination period end?

The Aerial Achievement Awards is an evergreen Awards program. Nominees for the 2025 Ascend Customer Awards Spotlight will be accepted through August 30, 2025.

Nominees submitted after August 30, 2025 will be considered for recognition in the following year.


Not seeing the answers you’re looking for?
Please reach out to Awards@Skydio.com and our team will be happy to help!

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