Welcome to the first episode of Taming Disaster: Drones For Good Podcast, presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional financial support from FirstIZ and Pix4D, where you will hear interviews, one-of-a-kind perspectives, and insightful conversation with industry leaders for using drones to help prepare for, respond to, and recover from complex emergencies and major disasters around the world.   Christopher Todd, your host, is sharing in this inaugural episode, the work of Airborne International Response Team (AIRT) that, even before the threat of COVID-19 pandemic emerged, had been on the workbench with the vision of helping to fill the need of providing content regarding the use of aircraft systems for emergency management, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance, also known as Drones for Good.   In today’s episode, Chief Charles Werner, a former fire chief from Charlottesville, Virginia and the world’s leading advocate for public safety in the U.S., talks about the development of the National Council on Public Safety UAS and dives deep into the mission of Drone Responders and its contribution for Public Safety.   Key Takeaways: [1:29] What is AIRT? [2:21] Chief Charles Werner shares how he experienced COVID-19 in Virginia at the time. [3:25] Chief Charles Werner talks about how he got involved with technology as an ally for safe response operations. [5:18] Charles Werner shares how a conference led to the creation of the National Council for Public Safety UAS. [9:52] The evolution of the National Council for Public Safety UAS. [12:03] The beginnings of Drones Responders. [14:53] Charles Werner talks about the achievements of Drones Responders. [15:53] Drones Responders developed organizational partnerships. [17:58] Drones for First Responders. [19:23] Guidelines and considerations if you are thinking of joining Drone Responders. [21:55] What aircraft to buy if thinking of joining the Public Safety Drone Program. [23:20] The matter of the size of the aircraft. [24:15] What are Public Safety professionals are looking for in their drones? [25:20] The upcoming advances in drone technology. [26:58] Charles talks about the challenges regarding training standards and certifications, tactics, and the community outreach program. [29:30] What does Beyond Visual Line of Sight waiver mean for Drones Responders? [31:18] The need to generate positive public acceptance of drones’ operations. [37:42] The impact on budgets for Public Safety as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. [40:20] Charles talks about the efforts of Drone Responders to provide additional value for solution providers, vendors, and for those starting public safety programs. [41:25] What is the future holding for Drone Responders? [42:33] How can people become involved with Drones Responders?   Mentioned in this episode: Airborne International Response Team Presented by AiRXOS, part of GE Aviation with additional support from FirstIZ and Pix4D  AIRT is the leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supporting Drones For Good and Public Safety UAS Become a member of Drone Responders for free.