Andy Thurling

Andy Thurling has extensive work experience in the aerospace industry. Andy currently holds the position of Vice President of Airspace Innovation at DroneUp, where they are responsible for developing and executing airspace and UTM strategies. Prior to this role, they served as the Chief Technology Officer at NUAIR, leading technical research on UAS technologies and evaluating potential paths to implementation. Andy also has experience in the commercial sector, having worked as the Director of Product Safety & Mission Assurance at AeroVironment. Thurling's career in aviation began in the USAF, where they served as a Fighter Pilot and Test Pilot before becoming the Commander of the 452d Flight Test Squadron at USAF Edwards AFB. Additionally, they have been involved in industry associations, serving as the Co-Chair of the Aviation Working Group at HAPS Alliance. In 2020, Thurling started their own consulting firm, Thurling Aero Consulting, LLC.

Andy Thurling has a diverse education history. Andy attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 1983 to 1987, where they obtained a Bachelor's degree (SB) in Aeronautics & Astronautics. Later, from 1997 to 1999, they pursued a Master's degree (MS) in Aeronautical Engineering at the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology. Andy also attended the Stanford Executive Institute for a brief period in 2011. In 1999 to 2000, they completed the Experimental Test Pilot program at the United States Air Force Test Pilot School.

In addition to their formal education, Andy holds certifications in different fields. In 2013, they obtained the Advanced Open Water Diver certification from PADI. Furthermore, they possess the Commercial, Single/Multi-engine Instrument Airplane certification from the FAA, although the specific time of obtaining is not provided.