
More than Just a Pretty Picture with David Gallagher of the Ohio Department of Transportation
02/15/24 • 28 min
In this episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, host Joe Burgett dives into the world of drone technology with a special guest, David Gallagher, Flight Operations Manager for the Ohio Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center. David shares insights into the evolution of the drone industry over the past decade, emphasizing the transformative impact of changing regulations. The discussion unfolds to reveal the critical role drones play in various sectors, from construction monitoring and bridge inspections to collaboration with public health and radiation divisions.
David sheds light on the logistics of managing a diverse team of pilots, including full-time and part-time members with varied backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to obtain their Part 107 certification and how this approach has proven more successful for their program. The episode also delves into the operational aspects, including flight planning, fleet management, and ongoing training to ensure safety and efficiency.
About David Gallagher
David Gallagher, with over a decade of experience in the drone industry, serves as the Flight Operations Manager for the Ohio Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center. His journey into the drone world began with a background in political and government affairs, leading to a pivotal role in shaping communication strategies and legislative interactions for the Ohio UAS Center. With a keen focus on integrating drone technology into public services, David has become a key figure in advancing the use of drones in various applications.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:
Contact David Gallagher:
In this episode of the Clemson Drone Podcast, host Joe Burgett dives into the world of drone technology with a special guest, David Gallagher, Flight Operations Manager for the Ohio Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center. David shares insights into the evolution of the drone industry over the past decade, emphasizing the transformative impact of changing regulations. The discussion unfolds to reveal the critical role drones play in various sectors, from construction monitoring and bridge inspections to collaboration with public health and radiation divisions.
David sheds light on the logistics of managing a diverse team of pilots, including full-time and part-time members with varied backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to obtain their Part 107 certification and how this approach has proven more successful for their program. The episode also delves into the operational aspects, including flight planning, fleet management, and ongoing training to ensure safety and efficiency.
About David Gallagher
David Gallagher, with over a decade of experience in the drone industry, serves as the Flight Operations Manager for the Ohio Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center. His journey into the drone world began with a background in political and government affairs, leading to a pivotal role in shaping communication strategies and legislative interactions for the Ohio UAS Center. With a keen focus on integrating drone technology into public services, David has become a key figure in advancing the use of drones in various applications.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:
Contact David Gallagher:
Previous Episode

Have a Plan with Mark Jahnke of South Carolina eTV
Join Dr. Joe Burgett in this episode of "Clemson Drone" as he engages in a compelling conversation with Mark Jahnke, the Chief Technology Officer of South Carolina ETV (SCETV). Mark shares insights into the transformative impact of drones on tower inspections, highlighting their role in enhancing efficiency and safety.
The discussion explores SCETV's mission in broadcasting PBS and NPR, its involvement in emergency communications, and the challenges of manual tower inspections. Mark provides a glimpse into the unique aspects of SCETV's drone program, emphasizing the potential for AI-driven drones to create 2D and 3D maps of towers for real-time data collection.
The episode also touches on broader industry trends, positioning drones as valuable tools for organizations seeking financial benefits, safety improvements, and time reductions. With practical advice and a focus on realistic planning, this episode serves as a guide for those interested in integrating drones into their operations. Discover how SCETV is leading the way in leveraging drone technology, revolutionizing tower inspections and paving the path for innovation in the UAS industry.
About Mark Jahnke
Mark Jahnke has served the broadcast community since 2002. A graduate of Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, Jahnke is currently the Chief Technology Officer for South Carolina ETV (SCETV) in Columbia, SC. Since 2020, Jahnke has been integral in creating a drone program at SCETV. His focus on policy and practical application has directed SCETV’s drone program forward for creative content creation and engineering structural analysis.
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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:
Contact Mark Jahnke | SCETV:
Next Episode

Fight fire with fire with Darryl Jones of the SC Forestry Commission
In this episode, host Joe Burgett engages in a captivating conversation with Darryl Jones, the Forest Protection Chief at the South Carolina Forestry Commission. Darryl shares insights into his extensive role, covering wildfire suppression, emergency response, law enforcement, and forestry assistance.
The episode delves into the evolution of drone usage in forestry management, showcasing its pivotal role in wildfire prevention and controlled burns. Darryl explains how drones equipped with advanced technology contribute to the efficiency and safety of their missions, highlighting a remarkable shift since the early experimental days in 2015. The discussion unfolds the diverse applications of drones, from inspecting communication towers to executing controlled burns, all aimed at safeguarding South Carolina's vast landscapes.
About Darryl Jones
Darryl Jones, with a BS degree in forest management from Clemson University, is the Forest Protection Chief at the South Carolina Forestry Commission. With a career spanning back to 1992, Darryl has been a driving force in adopting drone technology for forestry management.
As the current president of SCiDUC (South Carolina Interagency Drone Users Consortium), Darryl plays a crucial role in promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange among government agencies utilizing drones. His expertise in utilizing drones for wildfire management and emergency response adds a unique perspective to the podcast.
Resources discussed in this episode:
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Contact Dr Joe Burgett | Clemson Drone:
Contact Darryl Jones:
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