Parker Downey

Parker Downey has extensive experience in the field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and flight operations. Parker started their career as a UAS Flight Instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2015, where they built and taught curriculum related to flight operations, data collection, and processing. Parker then joined Juniper Unmanned in 2016 as a Pilot Team Lead, conducting commercial UAS flight operations and leading a team of six UAS pilots.

In 2018, Parker joined PrecisionHawk as a Senior Instructor Pilot, where they trained internal and external clients and developed curriculum for flight operations. Parker also served as a Senior Pilot, conducting commercial UAS operations for BP Lower 48 and performing pipeline and well pad inspections using various sensors and cameras. Parker was certified for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and night operations.

In 2020, Parker joined Kitty Hawk as a Flight Test Project Heaviside, where they were involved in flight testing. Currently, they are working as a Flight Test Operations Manager at Elroy Air, starting in 2022.

Throughout their career, Parker has demonstrated expertise in UAS flight operations, sensor technology, and training.

Parker Downey has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2015, they obtained a Private Pilots License from Aspen Flying Club in the field of Aviation. Additionally, in 2017, they completed the Agisoft Photoscan Course on Data Processing offered by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Parker also holds certifications such as the Remote Pilot Part 107 from the Federal Aviation Administration, which they obtained in August 2016, and a Private Pilot certification obtained in August 2015, also from the Federal Aviation Administration.