Crafting Effective SOPs for Drone Operations

06/06/24 • 29 min

In this special solo episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, Dr. Joe Burgett dives deep into the essentials of crafting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for drone operations. With his fresh insights from developing a custom course and training AI bots, Dr. Burgett outlines six critical components for SOPs: Management Systems, Operations, Training, Maintenance, Safety Management Systems, and additional key considerations.

Drone operations of all sizes, big and small, require SOPs to ensure safety, compliance, and efficiency. This episode provides listeners with valuable insights to develop their own. With systems and guidelines in place, your operations can run smoothly and ensure you maintain an excellent reputation.

About Joseph M. Burgett Ph.D.

Joe “Dr. Drone” Burgett is a tenured professor in the Nieri Department of Construction Development and Planning at Clemson University and a Level 3 Thermographer. He has been in university-level academics since 2010 and teaches both undergraduate and graduate-level courses on drone application in the built environment. By trade, Dr. Burgett is a general contractor and has spent many years teaching online courses for the trade unions. His primary area of research is in applied drone technology, and he has worked extensively with the SCDOT. His area of research focuses heavily on using UAS technology for bridge inspections and creating 3-D models to support field operations. He has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on UAS technology including titles such as “Accuracy of Drone Image Based Volumetric Surveys,” “Evaluating the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to Perform Low-Slope Roof Inspections,” and “SCiDUC: Solution to Address Common Challenges of State Agency Drone Deployment.” Dr. Burgett was named Clemson University’s 2018 Master Teacher, which is the University’s highest teaching honor. He is the founding President and current Director of the South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium (SCiDUC). SCiDUC is the state’s only 501c3 nonprofit drone association exclusive to South Carolina government agencies. Dr. Burgett is also an accomplished speaker. He is a regular presenter at the Associated Schools of Construction and American Institute of Constructors conferences. He has also spoken at the International Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction and the International Conference on Construction Applications of Virtual Reality.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:

About Joseph M. Burgett Ph.D.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:

Previous Episode

Create Demand with Bill McMurrer and Ryan Reid of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office

In this compelling episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, we delve into the innovative world of law enforcement drone programs with Bill McMurrer and Ryan Reid from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. With decades of combined experience, they shed light on transforming a traditional law enforcement approach into a cutting-edge UAS initiative. From initial challenges to building a robust program, McMurrer and Reid discuss the strategic utilization of drones for various operations, including search and rescue, tactical support, and community engagement. Learn how they cultivated a culture of excellence, empowering officers with advanced drone technology to enhance public safety.

About Bill McMurrer

Sergeant Bill McMurrer serves with the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, overseeing the Technical Services Unit and managing the office's Drone Program. With twenty-eight years of law enforcement experience, Sergeant McMurrer holds a Master's in Criminal Justice from Anderson University Command College and an MBA from Columbia College. In spring 2022, he took charge of the GCSO Drone Unit, initially used mainly for search and rescue and preplanned events. Tasked with developing a Patrol Drone Program at GCSO, he, along with a team of skilled drone pilots, revamped the program. It now includes over fifty Part 107 licensed drone pilots across the agency, with drones available 24/7 in patrol car trunks for various scenarios.

About Ryan Reid

Ryan Reid is a dedicated full-time first responder, and certified UAS FAA Part 107 operator at the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office. As the Drone Team Admin Program Coordinator, he leads 53 Part 107 certified remote operators and manages 16 drones, conducting over 250 monthly flights.

With over 23 years of first responder experience, Ryan's unwavering commitment to public safety drives his pursuit of advanced knowledge in innovative robotic solutions. He has instructed Part 107 prep courses for over 150 public safety professionals, providing more than 300 hours of practical drone training.

Ryan began as a volunteer firefighter during high school, leading to a career in law enforcement. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Emergency Management/Homeland Security from Anderson University. His exceptional leadership as an incident commander during federally declared incidents in South Carolina earned him the South Carolina State Achievement Ribbon.

Ryan emphasizes the critical role of drone technology in enhancing situational awareness and real-time incident documentation in public safety. He believes that drones are indispensable tools for saving lives and property, benefiting both responders and the public.

In his daily role, Ryan leverages UAS technology and collaborates with his agency's leadership to educate, train, and elevate their UAS program. To date, he has undertaken numerous missions, ranging from locating missing or endangered individuals, and aiding in tactical operations, to documenting critical incidents, all in the name of public safety.

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Next Episode

Building a Franchise from the Ground Up with Blue Nose Aerial Imaging

In this episode, host Joe Burgett from Clemson University sits down with Tanner Harris of Blue Nose Aerial Imaging to explore the expansion of the Clemson drone program and the exciting opportunities available through Blue Nose’s franchise model. Clemson’s drone program has grown significantly since the end of Season 1 of the podcast, now including veterans under Chapter 31 and launching an eight-week online course, UAS Mission Administration, tailored for experienced pilots and program managers. With this expansion, Clemson graduates have a clear pathway to leverage their training into a profitable business through Blue Nose Aerial Imaging’s structured franchise system.

Tanner highlights how Blue Nose Aerial Imaging helps franchise owners hit the ground running by providing essential equipment, business infrastructure, and ongoing support. Franchisees benefit from daily collaboration, weekly "Ask Me Anything" sessions, and monthly meetings, ensuring they’re never alone in navigating the business. Standardized tools like an operations portal, CRM platform, and photogrammetry engine further streamline operations, while national advertising and protected territories create a strong foundation for growth. Tanner also shares key insights on time management and strategic planning, emphasizing that dedication and proper execution are critical to success in the drone services industry. If you’re a newly trained drone operator and looking for business opportunities, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

About Tanner Harris

Tanner Harris is a native of Fairfax, Virginia. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in May 2006 with a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Sciences and later from Johns Hopkins University with a Master’s in Government and Security Studies in 2016. He received his commission in the United States Navy from the Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, in 2008.

Following commissioning, Tanner went through flight school at Training Squadron Six (VT-6) and Thirty-One (VT-31) and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 2010. His operational assignments included Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VQ-3), Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Seven (VQ-7), and onboard the USS George Washington (CVN-73). He served as the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization Lead Pilot Instructor and Assistant Strike Operations Officer. After his service in the Navy, Tanner began flying for United Airlines. He initially qualified as a First Officer on the Airbus A319/320 and was based in Los Angeles, California. Shortly thereafter, he transferred to the Denver, Colorado domicile and completed training on the Boeing 757 and 767 fleet.

Tanner currently serves as a Pilot Instructor at the United Airlines Flight Training Center. Recognizing the lack of consistency throughout the emerging drone industry, Tanner built the Blue Nose Aerial Imaging franchise to help standardize operations, develop brand-name recognition, adhere to a dynamic regulatory environment, and assemble subject matter experts from a variety of backgrounds to heighten the quality of services provided by the Blue Nose franchise team. By streamlining the path to entrepreneurship and empowering franchise owners with resources, experts, and applied training, Tanner developed a collaborative nationwide network of professional drone operators that provide services to companies in construction, agriculture, real estate, television, mapping, marketing, and inspections.

Tanner is a graduate of the US Air Force Advanced Instrument School, the US Navy Legal Officer course, and the Joint Air Operations Command and Control School. He is an FAA certified Remote Pilot and Airline Transport Pilot with type ratings on the Boeing 720, 707, 737, 757, 767, and Airbus A319 and A320. He owns Blue Nose, LLC and Blue Nose Franchising, LLC. Tanner resides in Denver, Colorado with his wife and two children. He enjoys running, traveling, and music and can be found touring the country in the family RV.

Resources discussed in this episode:

Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone: