GARY GAULDIN

UAS / DRONE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot | Owner, I Fly Drones LLC | UAS Instructor | Aerial Imaging & Inspection Specialist

Richmond, Virginia
[Phone] | [Email] | [Website] | [LinkedIn]

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

UAS professional, entrepreneur, instructor, and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot with more than nine years of professional experience in the drone industry. Founder and owner of I Fly Drones LLC, providing commercial drone services throughout Virginia and beyond for construction, infrastructure, commercial facilities, municipalities, educational organizations, event producers, real estate professionals, and other clients.

Extensive hands-on experience in aerial photography and cinematography, construction documentation, mapping and photogrammetry, thermal and infrared inspection, roof and solar inspection, infrastructure surveys, live aerial operations, drone light shows, UAS training, STEM education, and FAA-compliant flight operations.

Experienced in developing complete UAS programs from concept through execution, including flight planning, risk assessment, equipment selection, data acquisition, client deliverables, reporting, pilot training, curriculum development, and public demonstrations.

CORE UAS QUALIFICATIONS

• FAA Part 107 Commercial UAS Operations
• 9+ Years Professional Drone Industry Experience
• Commercial UAS Flight Operations
• Aerial Photography & Videography
• Construction Progress Documentation
• Mapping & Photogrammetry
• Orthomosaic Data Collection
• Thermal / Infrared Imaging
• Commercial Roof Inspections
• Solar Array Inspections
• Infrastructure Surveys
• RGB & Thermal Data Acquisition
• Drone Light Show Operations
• UAS Safety & Risk Management
• Flight Planning & Airspace Evaluation
• FAA Regulatory Compliance
• Client & Site Coordination
• UAS Training & Flight Instruction
• STEM Drone Education
• Youth Drone Programs
• FAA TRUST Preparation
• Part 107 Education
• NIST-Based Drone Flight Exercises
• Drone Competition Development
• Public Demonstrations & Events
• Live Aerial Video Operations
• Mission Planning & Checklists
• Technical Reporting
• Business Development & Proposal Writing

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

I FLY DRONES LLC — Richmond, Virginia

Founder / Owner / Chief Remote Pilot

2017–Present

Founded and developed a professional UAS services company providing specialized drone operations for commercial, government, construction, inspection, educational, and event applications.

Responsible for all aspects of UAS operations including client development, proposals, mission planning, FAA compliance, equipment selection, site assessment, flight operations, data collection, reporting, training, safety management, and project delivery.

Selected Accomplishments

• Built a professional drone operation encompassing commercial aerial imaging, thermal inspection, mapping, construction documentation, education, training, and entertainment applications.
• Completed commercial drone assignments for construction companies, engineering and consulting organizations, municipalities, schools, churches, commercial properties, real estate professionals, event producers, and other organizations.
• Developed repeatable workflows for construction progress documentation, including high-resolution photography, aerial video, panoramic imagery, mapping, and scheduled project updates.
• Conducted RGB and infrared/thermal aerial inspections of commercial roofs and solar installations.
• Developed professional thermal inspection reporting workflows incorporating RGB/IR image comparison, anomaly identification, location references, panel or roof-area identification, severity classification, annotations, and client reporting.
• Conducted aerial data acquisition using enterprise UAS platforms including the DJI Matrice 30T and DJI Mavic 3T, utilizing both visible-light and thermal sensors.
• Performed high-resolution aerial surveys supporting roof consulting, building assessment, construction, infrastructure, and property documentation.
• Planned and executed mapping and photogrammetry missions for commercial and construction applications.
• Produced aerial imagery suitable for orthomosaics, site documentation, progress comparison, measurement, planning, and project records.
• Developed FAA-compliant operational procedures covering preflight planning, aircraft inspections, site safety, weather evaluation, airspace review, emergency procedures, flight logging, and post-flight documentation.
• Provided professional aerial photography and 4K video services for commercial properties, construction projects, promotional productions, and special events.
• Coordinated complex flight operations around active construction sites, public events, commercial properties, and other operationally sensitive environments.

DRONE LIGHT SHOW EXPERIENCE

SKY DANCE DRONE LIGHT SHOWS

Founder / Show Producer / UAS Operations Lead

Developed Sky Dance, a specialized drone light show operation focused on creating large-scale aerial entertainment experiences for communities, venues, corporate clients, festivals, and special events.

Selected Accomplishments

• Developed commercial drone light show offerings ranging from 100 to 500+ aircraft depending on event requirements.
• Planned shows incorporating custom aerial animations, logos, patriotic imagery, holiday themes, event-specific graphics, and synchronized music.
• Developed specialized operational and safety procedures for drone light show environments.
• Coordinated show requirements involving FAA compliance, insurance, site preparation, audience separation, safety zones, staging areas, security, weather planning, and emergency procedures.
• Implemented layered flight-safety concepts including operational geofencing and protected flight areas.
• Developed custom show concepts for America 250 celebrations, community festivals, New Year’s Eve events, sporting events, corporate programs, patriotic celebrations, Halloween events, and other public gatherings.
• Worked with event organizers and venues to evaluate launch areas, audience locations, viewing angles, operational boundaries, and site suitability.
• Developed contracts, weather contingency procedures, outdoor operational requirements, safety signage, and client planning documentation specifically for drone light shows.

UAS INSPECTION & THERMAL IMAGING

Commercial Roof & Building Inspection

• Conduct aerial visible-light and infrared surveys of commercial roofing systems.
• Capture high-resolution RGB imagery for identification and documentation of visible roof deficiencies.
• Perform thermal data collection to assist qualified professionals in identifying areas warranting further investigation for possible moisture intrusion or abnormal thermal behavior.
• Create imagery-based inspection reports with deficiency locations, annotated photographs, thermal/RGB comparisons, and supporting documentation.

Solar Inspection

• Perform aerial thermal and RGB inspections of photovoltaic arrays.
• Capture paired visible and infrared imagery for analysis and reporting.
• Identify and document thermal anomalies for subsequent evaluation.
• Develop panel identification and indexing methods to make aerial findings usable by field personnel.
• Produce professional reports incorporating executive summaries, severity classifications, annotated imagery, panel references, and inspection appendices.

CONSTRUCTION, MAPPING & PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Extensive experience supporting construction and development projects through scheduled aerial documentation and mapping.

Capabilities include:

• Construction progress photography
• Recurring project documentation
• Aerial video
• 360° / panoramic site imagery
• Mapping flight planning
• Photogrammetry data acquisition
• Orthomosaic capture
• Cardinal-direction site photography
• Before-and-after comparisons
• Site overview imagery
• High-resolution asset documentation
• Client progress presentations

Developed recurring service programs allowing construction clients to document projects consistently throughout the entire build cycle.

DRONE EDUCATION & FLIGHT TRAINING

BLUE SKY ACADEMY / I FLY DRONES

Founder / UAS Instructor / Curriculum Developer

Created drone education programs designed to introduce youth and adults to UAS technology, safe flight, aviation careers, FAA regulations, STEM principles, and professional drone applications.

Educational Accomplishments

• Developed Blue Sky Academy — “Where Future Pilots Take Flight.”
• Created structured beginner flight programs teaching takeoff, landing, hovering, orientation, maneuvering, obstacle navigation, and precision control.
• Developed a multi-day Drone Camp curriculum incorporating classroom instruction, STEM education, FAA safety, TRUST preparation, simulators, hands-on flying, flight challenges, and aviation career exploration.
• Created a comprehensive Drone 101 program covering drone history, flight physics, aircraft systems, FAA regulations, airspace, UAS industries, safety, and emerging drone technologies.
• Developed one-on-one drone flight instruction for beginners, recreational pilots, aspiring commercial pilots, and individuals interested in specialized operations.
• Created introductory instruction for mapping, thermal imaging, aerial photography, commercial UAS applications, and FAA Part 107 career paths.
• Developed instructional materials including student workbooks, instructor guides, flight exercises, knowledge tests, safety handouts, scoring systems, certificates, and training presentations.
• Created structured flight exercises using small protected aircraft such as the DJI Neo to provide students with hands-on flight experience in controlled environments.
• Developed youth instruction around the FAA TRUST recreational safety curriculum.
• Created aviation and UAS career-awareness materials demonstrating the application of drones across dozens of industries.

SKILLSUSA DRONE COMPETITION DEVELOPMENT

Developed extensive competition materials and flight exercises supporting competitive UAS education.

Accomplishments

• Developed scoring systems for Virginia SkillsUSA drone competition activities.
• Created structured competition categories covering:
  • Pilot logbooks
  • Team interviews
  • FAA knowledge
  • Flight skills
  • Operational compliance
• Developed FAA knowledge examinations incorporating TRUST and Part 107 concepts.
• Created standardized judge scoring sheets, competitor briefings, answer keys, bubble sheets, and competition documentation.
• Developed multi-obstacle precision flight courses incorporating gates, hoops, vertical maneuvering, precision landing, tunnels, target interaction, and NIST-inspired flight exercises.
• Developed separate instructional and competition approaches appropriate for middle-school and high-school participants.
• Created time and accuracy scoring systems designed to evaluate both pilot precision and operational efficiency.

SCOUTING & COMMUNITY UAS EDUCATION

Developed an eight-session drone learning program for youth organizations incorporating:

• Drone safety
• Flight fundamentals
• Mapping
• Photography
• Flight techniques
• Drone history
• FAA fundamentals
• Hands-on flying
• Aviation career exploration
• TRUST preparation

Created supporting instructor scripts, student handouts, score sheets, certificates, achievement systems, and recruitment materials.

SPECIALIZED UAS OPERATIONS

Experience includes planning or performing drone operations supporting:

Commercial Construction — progress documentation, mapping, photography, video, panoramas, and recurring project monitoring.

Roof Consulting — visible-light and thermal aerial surveys supporting roof assessment.

Solar Energy — thermal and RGB aerial inspection of photovoltaic systems.

Infrastructure — detailed aerial imagery of structures and difficult-to-access areas.

Real Estate — professional aerial photography and video for residential and commercial properties.

Public Events — aerial documentation, live operational coordination, and drone demonstrations.

Drone Light Shows — multi-aircraft aerial entertainment, site planning, safety management, and custom animation development.

Education — youth camps, STEM programs, private instruction, competition development, and FAA safety education.

Public Safety Support — aerial observation and UAS operational support where appropriate.

AIRCRAFT & TECHNOLOGY EXPERIENCE

UAS Platforms

• DJI Matrice 30T
• DJI Mavic 3 Thermal
• DJI Neo
• DJI Enterprise UAS Platforms
• Small Indoor / Training UAS
• Multi-Aircraft Drone Light Show Systems

Sensors & Data

• High-Resolution RGB Imaging
• Radiometric / Thermal Imaging
• 4K Video
• Aerial Photography
• Mapping Data Acquisition
• Photogrammetry
• GPS-Based Flight Operations
• RTK/GNSS Concepts
• Panoramic Imaging

Operational Technology

• Automated Flight Planning
• Flight Logging
• Mapping Workflows
• Thermal Inspection Workflows
• Geofencing
• Mission Checklists
• Airspace Evaluation
• Flight Safety Documentation

AVIATION SAFETY & REGULATORY EXPERIENCE

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
• FAA-compliant commercial UAS operations
• Airspace assessment and flight planning
• Preflight and post-flight procedures
• Weather assessment
• Crew coordination
• Operational risk assessment
• Site safety planning
• Emergency procedure development
• Public and spectator safety planning
• Flight documentation and recordkeeping
• Recreational pilot TRUST education
• UAS safety instruction

BUSINESS & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

As founder of I Fly Drones LLC, responsible for both aviation operations and business management, including:

• Client acquisition and relationship management
• Commercial proposals and bids
• Municipal and government opportunities
• Subcontract UAS services
• Project estimating and pricing
• Contract development
• Insurance coordination
• Scheduling
• Equipment procurement
• Pilot and instructor coordination
• Safety program development
• Marketing and business development
• Website and educational content
• Training program development
• Event production
• Customer deliverables and reporting

ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

RVAV Production

Owner / Audio-Visual Production Professional

Prior to August 2023

Founded and operated a professional audio-visual production business before selling the company in 2023.

Experience included live-event production, video systems, technical production, client management, equipment management, event planning, and on-site technical operations.

This extensive production background provides additional expertise applicable to live aerial video, drone light shows, public events, multimedia production, client presentations, and complex technical event operations.

SELECTED PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• 9+ years of professional UAS industry experience
• Founder and owner of I Fly Drones LLC
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot
• Founder of Sky Dance Drone Light Shows
• Founder/developer of Blue Sky Academy
• Commercial RGB and thermal inspection experience
• Solar and commercial roof inspection experience
• Construction mapping and progress-documentation experience
• Photogrammetry and aerial mapping experience
• Commercial aerial photography and cinematography experience
• Developer of professional UAS inspection reporting systems
• Developer of drone flight-training curricula
• Youth STEM and drone education instructor
• FAA TRUST education experience
• SkillsUSA drone competition development experience
• NIST-inspired drone flight-training experience
• Multi-aircraft drone light show planning and operations
• Commercial proposal and contract development
• Extensive live-event and technical production background

PROFESSIONAL OBJECTIVE

To apply more than nine years of commercial UAS experience, entrepreneurial leadership, technical flight expertise, inspection knowledge, and instructional experience to organizations seeking an accomplished professional in UAS operations, drone program management, aerial inspection, UAS training, flight operations, business development, or emerging advanced-air-mobility technologies.

ADDITIONAL CAREER EXPERIENCE

In addition to more than nine years of professional UAS experience, Gary Gauldin brings an extensive background as an entrepreneur, audio-visual production professional, team-building company owner, DJ, event professional, and live entertainment producer. This experience provides a unique combination of aviation, technology, business ownership, training, entertainment, and client-service skills.

RVAV PRODUCTION

Founder / Owner / Audio-Visual Production Professional

Founded, owned, and operated RVAV Production, a professional audio-visual and event production company, until the business was sold in August 2023.

Managed all aspects of the company, including sales, client relationships, technical production, equipment acquisition, staffing, scheduling, event planning, budgeting, and on-site operations.

Professional Experience Included

• Corporate audio-visual production
• Live event production
• Professional sound reinforcement
• Video production and presentation systems
• Projection and display systems
• Stage and event lighting
• Wireless microphone systems
• Event staging and technical coordination
• Corporate meetings and presentations
• Conferences and special events
• Concert and entertainment production
• Technical troubleshooting
• Equipment management
• Client consultation
• Crew coordination and supervision
• Event logistics and scheduling
• Business development and sales
• Proposal development and estimating

Successfully operated the company as both a technical production provider and customer-service organization, working directly with clients to transform event concepts into professionally executed productions.

The company was successfully sold in August 2023, allowing greater focus on UAS operations, drone education, and emerging drone technologies.

TEAM BUILDING COMPANY

Founder / Owner / Program Facilitator

Founded and operated a company specializing in corporate and group team-building experiences, developing interactive activities designed to improve communication, leadership, cooperation, problem-solving, and group performance.

Responsibilities included program development, marketing, sales, event planning, facilitation, staffing, equipment management, customer service, and business administration.

Experience Included

• Corporate team-building programs
• Leadership activities
• Communication exercises
• Problem-solving challenges
• Interactive group competitions
• Employee engagement programs
• Corporate retreats
• Conference activities
• Large-group facilitation
• Experiential learning
• Program design
• Event logistics
• Public speaking and instruction
• Client relationship management

Developed the ability to effectively teach, entertain, motivate, and manage groups with widely varying experience levels and personalities.

This background later became particularly valuable in developing interactive drone training, corporate drone team-building programs, youth education, flight competitions, and hands-on UAS experiences.

PROFESSIONAL DJ & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

DJ / MC / Entertainment Professional

Extensive professional experience providing DJ and entertainment services for nightclubs, weddings, corporate events, private events, concerts, and other live entertainment environments.

Combined music programming, audio technology, event production, audience interaction, and master-of-ceremonies responsibilities to create professionally managed entertainment experiences.

Event Experience

• Nightclubs
• Weddings and receptions
• Corporate events
• Concerts
• Private parties
• Community events
• Special events
• Live entertainment productions

Professional Skills Developed

• Live audience engagement
• Master of ceremonies / public speaking
• Music programming
• Professional audio systems
• Event timing and coordination
• Client consultation
• Reading and responding to audiences
• Live-event troubleshooting
• Working under time-sensitive conditions
• Coordination with venues, performers, planners, and production crews

Professional DJ experience also developed an advanced understanding of the relationship between music, timing, visual presentation, audience emotion, and live entertainment—experience now directly applicable to the development and production of synchronized Sky Dance drone light shows.

ENTREPRENEURIAL & BUSINESS LEADERSHIP

Career-long entrepreneur with experience founding, owning, developing, and managing businesses spanning drone technology, audio-visual production, corporate team building, entertainment, education, and live events.

Business leadership experience includes:

• Business creation and development
• Sales and marketing
• Client acquisition
• Contract negotiation
• Proposal development
• Pricing and estimating
• Budget management
• Equipment purchasing
• Staff and contractor coordination
• Scheduling
• Customer relationship management
• Event logistics
• Technical operations
• Safety planning
• Training and instruction
• Public speaking
• Program development
• Business-to-business sales
• Corporate client management
• Creative concept development
• On-site problem solving

UNIQUE CROSS-INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

Gary’s professional background combines several disciplines rarely found in a single UAS professional:

AVIATION + TECHNOLOGY + BUSINESS + EDUCATION + LIVE PRODUCTION + ENTERTAINMENT

His background as an audio-visual company owner provides extensive experience with sophisticated technical systems and live production.

His experience as a team-building company owner provides a strong foundation in instruction, group leadership, communication, and experiential education.

His professional DJ and entertainment experience provides an understanding of music, audiences, timing, showmanship, and live-event execution.

His entrepreneurial experience demonstrates the ability to identify opportunities, build programs, develop client relationships, manage operations, and deliver professional services.

Combined with more than nine years of professional UAS experience, these disciplines provide a particularly strong foundation for drone operations management, UAS training, drone light show production, commercial UAS business development, technical sales, experiential education, and emerging drone technologies.