This Coffee Connect will focus on lessons learned from years as a drone program instructor.
June 10, 2025 at 12pm EDT
Moderator: Desi Ekstein, On-the-Go Video
Ways to Connect: Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, or Zoom
Guest Speaker: Tonie Smith, CEO/CTE Teacher, TS Aerial Media LLC and Sweetwater Union High School District
Session Focus: Application of drone technology continues to evolve, with the demand growing for operators that prioritize safety, system maintenance, process. Thousands of remote pilots complete their Part 107 Certification each year, but the gap between pilot skills and industry demand widens as complex, autonomous operations grow in popularity. Educational Institutions are anxious to expose students to drones, but frequently have a hard time preparing students for the roles that need to be filled. This session will shed light on what may be contributing to some of the misalignment between education and industry, and encourage ongoing collaboration. We’ll talk hardware, software, drone soccer, school district purchasing and curriculum as it relates to developing the workforce.
Having gained experience as a DFR RPIC and Hiring Manager for Flying Lion, Inc., Tonie developed an ambitious goal of helping a local school district realign their curriculum with the changing needs of industries using UAS technology. During this session she will share what the challenges and successes have been, and which strategies and methods could be used by educators without a background in UAS operations. Tonie hopes everyone will join the transparent discussion about the ways to support schools interested in implementing drone programs. We also look forward to sharing the exciting opportunities that exist educators to help shape the current generation of remote system operators.
About Tonie: Having gained a reputation as a knowledgeable professional in business administration, Tonie shifted her career focus to development of scalable drone services in 2019. Tonie continuously looks for opportunities to create positive experiences surrounding the use of drone technology for businesses and the general public, while contributing to professional development and responsible drone use in the remote pilot community.
In addition to offering services commercially as TS Aerial Media, LLC, Tonie assisted in streamlining the UAS operator hiring and training process for Flying Lion, Inc. After working initially as an RPIC, she was promoted as the Recruiting and Hiring Manager, as well as the Program Management Coordinator, supporting multiple Police department Drone First Responder programs. Most recently, she began developing curriculum and teaching students in the Sweetwater Union High School District drone program where she prepares students to pass their FAA Remote Pilot Certificate, and coaches the National City Dragonflys Drone Soccer team.
Tonie is fluent in English and Spanish, and has studied Mandarin and indigenous languages while volunteering her time abroad. She enjoys networking as a member of the local DronePros team in San Diego, California, where she currently lives.
