REDWOOD CITY, Calif. -- June 17, 2021 -- Skydio, the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight technology, today announced that it has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration to participate in the newly created Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) charged with developing a regulatory path for routine drone operations Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS). In addition, Skydio announced that Jenn Player, Skydio’s newly hired Director of Regulatory Affairs, has been selected to serve as an industry lead for a working group in the ARC.
Announced by FAA Administrator Steve Dickson during a keynote address at the recent UAS Symposium, the ARC will provide recommendations designed to enable safe and scaleable BVLOS operations. Drones offer unparalleled benefits--promoting worker safety, slashing carbon emissions, and enhancing efficiency. By enabling scalable BVLOS operations, the FAA will amplify those benefits to a broader set of use cases and segments of the market, ensuring that the U.S. continues to play a leading role in the growing, global aviation economy.
Jenn Player recently joined Skydio’s Regulatory and Policy Affairs team. Before joining Skydio, Jenn spearheaded an industry-leading regulatory program under the FAA’s Pathfinder Program, capturing a number of breakthrough BVLOS approvals. She has also played a key role supporting other leading industry programs in infrastructure inspection and package delivery. In her new role at Skydio, Jenn collaborates with customers, regulators, and standards development organizations to unlock safe and effective autonomous and docked drone operations.
“Enabling safe, routine BVLOS operations is the critical next step to realize the benefits that Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) offer to society. We are honored to be selected to participate in the ARC and look forward to contributing to this collaborative effort,” said Jenn Player, Skydio’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.
“Skydio is fortunate to have Jenn Player--our new Director of Regulatory Affairs--representing us in this effort to frame the future of flight in the U.S. An industry pioneer, Jenn has unrivaled experience leading complex regulatory programs for operations beyond line of sight. Her expertise will enable our customers to capture the full potential of autonomous drones to make our world more productive, creative, and safe,” said Brendan Groves, Vice President of Regulatory & Policy Affairs.
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About Skydio
Skydio is the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight. Skydio leverages breakthrough AI to create the world’s most intelligent flying machines for use by consumers, enterprises, and government customers. Founded in 2014, Skydio is made up of leading experts in AI, robotics, cameras, and electric vehicles from top companies, research labs, and universities from around the world. Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S. from its headquarters in Redwood City, CA, to offer the highest standards of supply chain and manufacturing security. Skydio is trusted by leading enterprises across a wide range of industry sectors and is backed by top investors and strategic partners including Andreessen Horowitz, Levitate Capital, Next47, IVP, Playground, and NVIDIA.
Contacts:
Aircover Communications
press@skydio.com
