The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly stayed longer than expected, but with all its devastating effects has also brought positive outcomes, especially with the reaches of the virtual environment, we are now able to connect with people in ways that we were never forced to do so before. There have been a lot of amazing live events like the Commercial UAV Expo and AUVSI XPONENTIAL, which allowed influential people in the unmanned system space, emergency management, and disaster response from all over the world to meet and discuss important current matters.   Christopher Todd, your host, welcomes Richard Adams to today’s episode. Richard is the National Director of disaster relief teams from Disaster Relief Australia. He is sharing his experience with drones in Afghanistan and how he used the skills gained in that field to help the community in emergency and disaster response. Richard communicates the mission of Disaster Relief Australia, which not only serves the community but provides military veterans the chance to regain a purpose, form part of a community, and find an identity while helping others.   Key Takeaways: [3:00] Richard Adams joins Chris Todd from New Zealand. [3:48] Richard shares how he got involved with unmanned aircraft systems and drones. [6:13] Richard talks about the drones they used in Afghanistan. [8:06] Richard describes the geographic characteristics of Afghanistan and how they influenced the communications with unmanned systems. [8:55] What was a typical mission like for Richard and his team? [11:45] Drones were used in Afghanistan to track individuals of interest. [12:37] Did the local villagers realize that drones were used? [14:33] Richard talks about what happened to him after seven years of serving with the army. [17:50] What kind of aircraft was the park service using? [19:34] How are unmanned aircraft systems being used in Australia? [22:48] Richard explains how drones are used during wildfires. [24:15] The work with GIS pros and data management personnel to take the data off the aircraft and develop data products for intelligence. [26:27] How are they transmitting the data from the field to end users at the emergency operations center? [29:26] The regulatory perspective in Australia. [33:47] Richard talks about the requirements to fly an unmanned aircraft over military space in Australia. [34:46] Richard talks about his involvement in Disaster Relief Australia. [8:15] What does the UAS team look like in Australia? [39:22] Disaster Relief Australia partners with NGOs and Non-Profit Organizations for disaster response. [42:04] Veterans help themselves by helping others. [43:00] Richard shares what is, in his perspective, the most valuable benefit of using unmanned aircraft systems.   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. DRONERESPONDERS YouTube Channel DRONERESPONDERS on Facebook. Commercial UAV Expo AUVSI XPONENTIAL Disaster Relief Australia