Coffee Connections with Desi
January 14, 2025
12:00 pm EST / 11:00 am CST / 10:00 am MT / 9:00 am PT
Join us via Zoom or Live on Linked In
Spotlight Speaker:
Erin Roesler
Deputy Executive Director
Northern Plains UAS Test Site
Erin will discuss at a high-level what are the concerns about using non-NDAA compliant UAS, and particularly why not buying Chinese drones is easier said than done. Erin will delve into North Dakota’s innovative approach to navigating the predicaments of federal bans, spotlighting the introduction of H.B. 1038—the Drone Buyback Bill. She will explore how this forward-thinking program addresses national security concerns while ensuring operational continuity for state agencies, academic institutions, and critical missions.
Erin will also discuss the importance of balancing compliance with NDAA standards against the backdrop of tightening federal regulations and highlight how North Dakota continues to lead by example, demonstrating that innovation and security can coexist.
About:
Erin Roesler is a seasoned UAS professional and currently serves as the Deputy Executive Director at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site (NPUASTS), 1 of only 7 federal UAS test sites.
Erin plays an influential role in the operationalization of Vantis as the Program Executive, North Dakota’s beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) initiative. She develops and synchronizes advanced UAS operations; coordinates regulatory and operational approvals with the FAA and controlling agencies; and supervises, leads and grows the flight operations team and capabilities.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics and a Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology, she brings both technical knowledge and instructional expertise to her role. Erin led the FAA UAS BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking Committee – Air & Ground Risk working group. She has served in leadership of industry standard bodies, including ASTM, RTCA, and ANSI UAS Standardization Collaborative.
She is a former adjunct lecturer for the University of North Dakota Department of Aerospace and developed UAS training curriculum for Boeing Insitu ScanEagle, AFRL PRINCE MQ-1/9 RPA Simulator, and various sUAS.
