Despite everything that changed with Part 107 and the available resources that outline what it means to legally and safely operate a drone for commercial purposes, questions about doing so are as pervasive as ever. Answering those questions as well as ones that drone pilots don’t even know to ask is what FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) volunteers are here to do. These volunteers are called DronePros, and a couple of them took to the stage at XPONENTIAL 2025 to discuss how they serve as resources for the wider the industry as well as how others can provide similar support.

Vic Moss and Desiree Ekstein joined Diana Robinson from the FAA to explain and explore their support of the industry. DronePros are volunteers within the FAASTeam who are knowledgeable about drone operations and assist the FAA in promoting drone safety. These volunteers are interviewed and trained by the FAA and are provided with equipment and materials to help them plan events, conduct outreach and provide education to their communities. However, their efforts are about much more than drones.

"We’re ambassadors not just for the drone industry but for aviation,” said Ekstein, a leading advocate for UAS safety with over 12 years of remote piloting experience. “I’m very focused on safety, and while we have the annual Drone Safety Day, to me, every day is a safety day. We want to be resources that allow everyone to approach their drone flight with the same mindset to help ensure the sky is safe for everyone.”

The FAASTeam Online Directory allows anyone to find a DronePro near them to ask questions and serve as a resource. However, it’s not a one-way resource, as experienced drone pilots can volunteer as a DronePro or can become a FAASTeam Member. Robinson mentioned that she’s heard people struggle to find exactly where and how they can do so, so she created a simple step-by-step guide that was available to all attendees to help them better understand the process. 

DronePros provide one-to-one feedback but can also come talk to students or setup a flight demonstration. Members are also invited to attend live FAASTeam webinars and live events in their local area. DronePros have become essential resources for communities across the United States, and while the program is open to everyone, not just anyone can become a DronePro.

“Anyone with the right experience can become an educational counselor to the misinformed, and that’s primarily what we do," said Moss, who is a is a nationally known drone educator and drone advocate. “It’s not just about passion for flying though, as you have to have the knowledge as well as the passion. The worst thing you could give is bad info, and you also have to be able to convey feedback that someone might not want to hear.”

Moss told a story about a massive fire in the Denver area a few years ago that caused a TFR to be put in place. Despite the restriction, a kid sent their drone into the air and put the footage on social media, catching the attention of authorities, which compelled Moss to set up a discussion. While the kid and parent were initially dismissive, the hefty fine that is associated with such activities got their attention. However, DronePros volunteers aren't involved in such punitive actions or have any responsibility when someone ignores the law. Their role is solely to educate and guide individuals, helping them improve their practices.

Those instances are the exception rather than the rule though, as the majority of the interactions that DronePros have with individuals and organizations have fostered the continual growth of a positive safety culture within their respective communities. It’s also why the panelists encouraged those with relevant experience, passion for flying, and a desire to engage with their communities to become a local DronePro.

"We always need DronePros,” Moss told the crowd.