News

Dr. Paul Hsu appointed to the FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced on Wednesday 12 new appointments to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Drone Advisory Committee. Among those names was Dr. Paul Hsu of the […]

Jared Williams

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced on Wednesday 12 new appointments to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Drone Advisory Committee.

Among those names was Dr. Paul Hsu of the Hsu Institute in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

According to Secretary Chao, the Drone Advisory Committee is key to helping the FAA keep pace with innovation while protecting safety.

Members of the committee are executives who represent a variety of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) interests, including industry, research, academia, retail, technology, and state and local government.

“The opportunity to serve on the FAA Drone Advisory Committee on behalf of HSU Educational Foundation and the Greater Okaloosa Airports community is quite an honor,” said Dr. Hsu. “I look forward to participating in this collaborative effort to help our Nation better integrate unmanned aircraft systems!”

Dr. Paul Hsu showing one of the drones at the Hsu Innovative Institute in Fort Walton Beach, FL

According to a press release, the DAC is a broad-based, long-term federal advisory committee that provides the FAA advice on key UAS integration issues by helping to identify challenges and prioritize improvements. The committee helps to create a broad strategy for the safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.

“As the UAS industry continues to evolve, it is important to have DAC members who mirror the many facets of this fast-growing industry. We know the members will help the FAA ensure the highest level of safety while keeping pace with the new and innovative technology for UAS,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.

One of the drone obstacles at the Hsu Innovative Institute in Fort Walton Beach, FL

The DAC is chartered to have up to 35 members and yesterday’s announcement will fill 12 vacancies. The new members listed below will serve a two-year term.

The new members are:

Seleta Reynolds, General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Transportation
Dr. Paul Hsu, Founder and Chair, HSU Foundation
Matt Parker, President, Precision Integrated Programs
Molly Wilkinson, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, American Airlines
Brad Hayden, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Robotic Skies
David Carbon, Vice President and General Manager, Amazon Prime Air
Adam Bry, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Skydio
Kenji Sugahara, President and Chief Executive Officer, Drone Service Providers Alliance
Brandon Torres Declet, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, MEASURE
Dr. Jaiwon Shin, Executive Vice President, Head of UAM Division and Chief Executive Officer, Genesis Air Mobility
Dr. Catherine Cahill, Director, Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration
Vic Moss, Owner, Moss Photography

DRONES, ROBOTICS & MORE! The Hsu Innovative Institute was designed to inspire innovation among both the youth and professional community. Now, they hope to inspire innovation through STEM, helping to ensure our nation’s strong future.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Giving Back

‘Child Clothing Project’ to provide free clothing, STEM activities for underserved children in Okaloosa and Walton counties

Business, Military

Hurlburt Field partners with HSU Educational Foundation to launch tech training program

School

Robotics Teams from Okaloosa High Schools compete in Regionals, Niceville advances to World Championship

News

Students build remote-controlled Rovers from the ground up at the HSU Innovation Institute

Helen Rigdon commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“Great coverage and extremely informative from John Hofstad. Be glad he gives you A heads up and is pro active. Our County Executive does none of That.”

Respond

Patricia commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“my hope is that someway that chair can be traced to the owner who needs to see that picture”

Patty Novak commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“😢This is so sad. After seeing all that the Gulfarium does to rehabilitate other turtles, this is frustrating.”

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026

“4:00”

Mrs. Z commented on Superintendent Chambers addresses accusations, supports the 3 incumbents in upcoming election

“Thank you for your opinion, Mr. Chambers. I will not be voting for the three candidates you recommended. It’s interesting how you have spent years making sure students are held...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026

“1:22, 4 attempts”

Timothy W Yelverton commented on Col. Terrance Keithley takes command of 96th Test Wing at Eglin

“I sure hope he will change the hunting regulations and let us hunt during the week days this year.”

Brenda J Castillo commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“A compromise would be to reduce property taxes for all senior citizens, with restrictions for newcomers. Without restrictions, too many seniors would flock here. Maybe seniors who have their homes...”

Robin commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“Just heartbreaking.”

Neal Brickner commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“A 3 percent reduction on a budget that's almost doubled in 6 years. Come on. How could they possibly do it? They might actually have to drive their personal vehicle...”