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Joseph

J

Advanced UAV Operations Professional:

Santa Paula, CA 93060 

jdrista@icloud.com

805-798-2935

 

Part 107 FAA-Certified sUAS Pilot, with extensive experience flying in challenging conditions. Proven ability to safely plan, coordinate, and direct mission objectives. Early participation in the drone industry, with experience in multiple verticals. Always professional in manner and conduct.

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Ability to Travel for Work: (Anywhere)

Authorized to work in the US for any employer 

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Advanced UAV Field Operations Professional: (Flight Test Engineer) 

Flyby Robotics – (Los Angeles Tech Start-Up):

(July 2021 to June 2024)

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For the initial two years, Flyby Robotics was postured to become the first company, in history, to conduct drone deliveries over the Los Angeles skyline. 

 

 Managed advanced field operations and testing, as Remote Pilot in Command, as Flyby developed technological advancements in the drone delivery space.  

• Full field ops planning, setup, mission execution, and equipment testing.

• Software UI Testing. 

• Set-up and demonstration of multiple aspects of technology, for investors. 

• Live testing, (with actual clients), over Los Angeles. 

• Extensive travel, based on engineering needs. 

Year three, Flyby changed direction to becoming an NDAA compliant United States drone manufacturer. 

 

Director/Manager/Owner: Aerial Reflections & Ground Media

Drone Services LLC - Santa Paula, CA (March 2017 to July 2021) 

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Provided premier commercial services for the entire state of California, in the following categories:

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Aerial Cinematography/Photography, Mapping and Modelling, NDVI (Farm and Vegetation Health), Thermal Imaging (Search and Rescue), and Utilities Inspections. Delivered high quality reliable data collection and Aerial Videography, upon demand, (in qualified airspace).  

 

• Producer of Aerial B Role Footage, for Documentaries.

• Producer of Drone Based Industrial Short Films.

• Member of Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), since March 2019.

 

Pilot in Command

SkySkopes: (Southern California Edison) 

October 2019 to January 2020

June 2020 to January 2021 

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SkySkopes is an Industry leader in providing commercial drone services to clients, worldwide. 

 

Inspected transmission and distribution assets, for Southern California Edison. Completed complex work requirements in a timely and safe manner.

• Part of the team that launched electric utility inspections for Southern California Edison, in some of California's highest fire threat areas.   

• Scored 100% on product quality report card.

• 100% Safety Compliance Record. 

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Pilot in Command

Sharper Shape: 

(Pacific Gas & Electric) 

February 2019 to June 2019

February 2020 to June 2020 

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(Sharper Shape is an Industry leader in providing beyond visual line of sight and autonomous drone flight platforms, based out of Finland) 

 

Through Sharper Shape, inspected electrical transmission towers and distribution assets, for Pacific Gas & Electric. Completed complex work requirements, in a timely and safe manner. 

• Part of the teams that inspected over 10,000 transmission towers, in California’s highest fire threat areas.

• Scored 100% Safety Compliance Record. 

 

Director/Manager/Owner

Performance Revitalize Computers:

Ventura, CA 

(February 2010 to March 2017)

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(PRC was a contract IT service provider for small business owners). 

• Negotiated contracts with small business owners.

• Provided leadership through adverse conditions.

• Managed invoices, taxes, expenses, insurance, and corporate records. 

Education:

Bachelor of Communication

Pepperdine University - Malibu, CA 

Skills:

• IT and Computers: (7+ years)

• Communications: (20+ years)

• Multi-Rotor UAVs: (8+ years) 

• Extensive experience with independent operations of sUAS

• Proficient with sUAS Mapping, Modelling, and Survey tools

• Experience with different types of sUAS sensors

• Experience in Construction, Utilities, and Media

• Familiar with small-unmanned aircraft systems

• Over 3000 hours of sUAS experience 

 

Certifications and Licenses: 

(FAA Class 2 Medical Certification)

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Commercial Remote Pilot:

(Licensed FAA Part 107 Pilot)

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UAV COACH: (sUAS Drone Pilot Ground School) 

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Valmont: (Ascend Level II Inspection Certification)

July 2021 to July 2023: (Renewal July 2023 to Present)

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SkySkopes Wildfire Safety Program Certification, (for Southern California Edison):

(October 2019 to December 2020)

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Pacific Gas & Electric Wildfire Safety Program Certification:

(May 2019 to December 2020)

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Pilot Institute: (Drone Mapping, Survey, and Modelling)

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First Aid/CPR: (AED)

(October 2019 to Present)

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OSHA 10:

(October 2019 to Present)

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OSHA 30:

(June 2021 to Present) 

Additional Information: 

Corporate (Traveling) Sales

September 2000 to January 2010

(More information provided upon request)