Each week at InterDrone, we sit down with a member of our speaker faculty to talk about drones and preview their upcoming session at InterDrone Online. This week, we sat down with Jennifer Andrews, who services as the NASASIO project lead on Bell’s Technology and Innovation team. Read our conversation below!
List to Jennifer on the InterDrone Podcast HERE.
For those who don’t already know, can you give us a brief overview of Bell Flight and the organization’s mission statement?
For more than 85 years, Bell has been reimagining the experience of flight – and where it can take us. We were the first to break the sound barrier and to certify a commercial helicopter. We were a part of NASA’s first lunar mission and brought advanced tiltrotor systems to market. Today, we’re defining the future of on-demand mobility. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas – as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Textron Inc., – we have strategic locations around the globe. And with nearly one quarter of our workforce having served, helping our military achieve their missions is a passion of ours. Above all, our breakthrough innovations deliver exceptional experiences to our customers. Efficiently. Reliably. And always, with safety at the forefront.
What is the best part of your job and what is most challenging?
The best part of my job are challenging projects, exploring new technology and the people. Every day brings something new. A new requirement, a new technology. We have an opportunity to make a difference in the industry.
How have you seen the pandemic shape the industry so far?
The pandemic is shaping the drone industry by creating a need for contactless delivery. Air logistic platforms, such as the APT 70, will be explored for routine, beyond visual line of sight flight operations to support medical deliveries, cargo deliveries, and humanitarian aid.
What advice do you have for anyone starting out in the drone industry?
Jump Right in! The UAS industry has many aspects that will keep you challenged. Also, don’t forget about the numerous networks such as Women and Drones or InterDrone to expand your knowledge of UAS, operations and the fascinating people who work in the industry.