Airobotics continues to grows its presence in the Australian market with the appointment of Joe Urli as Director of Flight Operations, based in Brisbane. Australia was selected as a preferred growth channel for Airobotics, and its first Australian representative, Richard Thompson (based in Perth), was appointed in October 2016.
Business Development Vice President Yahel Nov said the expertise Joe Urli brings is considerable as Airobotics formally applies for a ReOC (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate).
“Joe Urli is well known to the Australian commercial drone and aerospace having held senior management roles in both the private sector (Boeing & General Electric) and public sector (CAA & CASA) as an Airworthiness and Air Transport Safety Inspector,” he said.
“He is also President of Australia’s peak commercial drone association (ACUO), and sits on a number of high profile panels and advisory committees and sub-committees.”
“This is a key role, ensuring Airobotics’ clients are operating within safety requirements and adhering to all regulatory standards.”
Joe Urli said Airobotics is a dynamic company and its platform is the first of its kind in the global market – comprising a fully automated drone, base station and cloud based software, that doesn’t require a pilot to directly fly its pre-programmed missions safely.
“Technology and innovation often outpaces regulatory reform and there is no doubt that Airobotics is redesigning the landscape of commercial drones,” he said.
“Airobotics is dedicated to collaborating with regulators and is working closely with multiple NAA’s (National Aviation Authorities) around the world to educate and harmonise automated drone operations,” he said.
“We are in the process of obtaining a CASA ReOC (Remote Operator’s Certificate) and we already have an FAA waiver authorisation under Part 107 in the US, as well as a commercial license from CAAI in Israel.
“We are confident of the process with Australia’s CASA, as it has a long history as a global leader in aviation safety regulation in relation to the operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems.”
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester announced a review of aviation safety regulation in October 2016, to enable innovation in commercial drone-usage. The review follows regulatory amendments implemented in September, which place strict requirements on how and where drones can be operated.
About Joe Urli
Joe is Airobotics Director of Flight Operations and has more than 26 years of experience in the aerospace industry having worked in senior management roles in both the private sector (Boeing & General Electric) and public sector (CAA & CASA) as an Airworthiness and Air Transport Safety Inspector. Joe is the elected President of Australia’s peak commercial drone association (ACUO) and has a degree aeronautics. He also holds chief UAV controller approvals for piloting, maintaining various types of unmanned aircraft, and is also a licensed [manned] pilot and aircraft engineer. Joe is a member of the CASA CEO Directors Advisory Panel (DAP), Government’s strategic Aviation Industry Consultative Council (AICC), UAS Standards Consultative Sub-Committee and is also a non-Executive member of the Board of Directors for the Paris-based International RPAS Coordination Council of UVS International. Joe lives in Brisbane with his young family and enjoys nature-walks, astronomy and reading.
Source: Press Release