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Beyond the Pilot explores the cutting-edge world of drone technology and uncrewed aircraft systems, going deeper than basic flight operations to uncover the innovations, regulations, and real-world applications transforming industries. Join us as we interview industry leaders, researchers, and pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the skies—from advanced air mobility and autonomous systems to the integration challenges shaping the future of aviation. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the drone revolution, this podcast takes you beyond the basics to discover what's next in uncrewed aviation.
_edited.png)
Beyond the Pilot explores the cutting-edge world of drone technology and uncrewed aircraft systems, going deeper than basic flight operations to uncover the innovations, regulations, and real-world applications transforming industries. Join us as we interview industry leaders, researchers, and pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the skies—from advanced air mobility and autonomous systems to the integration challenges shaping the future of aviation. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the drone revolution, this podcast takes you beyond the basics to discover what's next in uncrewed aviation.
Available on Apple Podcast and Spotify!
Season 2 Episodes
S2 Ep1: Counter-UAS and Collaborative Defense: Inside the Innovation with NUAIR and the 174th Attack Wing
January 15, 2026
Join host Megan Crout for a groundbreaking conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Drew "Buzz" Larned and NUAIR Chief of Safety Scott "Gripper" Brenton as they reveal the historic collaboration between the 174th Attack Wing and NUAIR that has changed military aviation forever.
In November 2025, an MQ-9 Reaper drone made history as the first U.S. military uncrewed aircraft to fly on private civilian infrastructure. But this wasn't just a technical achievement - it was a glimpse into the future of airspace security, counter-UAS defense, and public-private partnerships.
Discover how lessons from Ukraine are reshaping American defense strategy, why co-located military and civilian airports need layered surveillance systems, and how Central New York became the proving ground for scalable, cost-effective airspace awareness solutions. From detecting small quadcopters to integrating large military drones, learn how NUAIR's surveillance-as-a-service network is bridging the gap between military readiness and civilian commerce.
Whether you're interested in drone technology, national security, or the future of air traffic management, this episode offers unprecedented insights into how innovation, community engagement, and dual-use technology are protecting American skies.
The views and opinions expressed by Lt. Col. Larned and D. Scott Brenton, Colonel (USAF, retired), in this podcast are solely their own and do not represent the official position or policy of the New York Air National Guard, the United States Air Force, the Department of War, or any other governmental agency or organization.
Season 1 Episodes
EP 1: Presidential Orders, Regulation Changes, and NUAIR's LOA
August 22, 2025
Megan and Andy break down what the new Presidential orders, Regulation changes and NUAIR's Letter of Acceptance means for NUAIR and the UAS industry in as a whole.
EP 2: Power Industry Perspectives on BVLOS Drone Operations
September 9, 2025
Megan Crout is joined by Nate Robie from Dominion Energy at the Commercial Drone Alliance BVLOS Stakeholder Summit in D.C. where representatives from every industry came to discuss and debate the Part 108 Rule. Nate shares his insights from Dominion Energy’s UAS operations and provides a valuable perspective from the power industry.
EP 3: New York's Avenues of Transportation: The New Highway in the Sky
October 8, 2025
In this special episode, Ken Stewart and Assemblyman Patrick Burke (New York Assembly District 142) discuss the future of drones and air mobility in New York. Stewart and Assemblyman Burke discuss the massive transformation happening in U.S. airspace, where hundreds of thousands of drones are already flying but existing infrastructure can only track a tiny fraction of them. From bridge inspections that could save millions to autonomous passenger flights launching sooner than most realize, this episode explores how transportation is being reimagined for the 21st century—and why government needs to move fast to keep up with innovation while ensuring public safety.
Source: Assemblyman Patrick Burke's Office
EP 4: Scaling Flight Innovation with NX Aviation
October 23, 2025
Garrick Christian, Senior Manager of NUAIR Defense, joins Colin Fischer, President of NX Aviation, for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurialism in the uncrewed and manned aviation industry. Get a firsthand look at the "glass-chewing moments" of a founder, the pay-off of strategic growth, and insight on the latest wins from NX Aviation including: • Purchase of Part 135 Operator: Midwest Air Link. • Award of SBIR Phase III eligibility.
EP 5: The Next Generation of Pilots
November 14, 2025
The job description of a remote pilot has changed quicker than almost any other role in aviation. In this episode, we take a breath during NUAIR's latest tour and talk with two of our pilots, Brice Basic and Isaac Olmsted. Isaac has been a pilot with NUAIR since 2024 and, while Brice has been a pilot with NUAIR since 2022, his work extends beyond the sticks as NUAIR's Advanced Operations Specialist. We get to learn insights from their own career paths and discuss things like autonomy, sensors, and what the future of remote piloting might look like.
Season 2 Episodes
S2 Ep1: Counter-UAS and Collaborative Defense: Inside the Innovation with NUAIR and the 174th Attack Wing
January 15, 2026
Join host Megan Crout for a groundbreaking conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Drew "Buzz" Larned and NUAIR Chief of Safety Scott "Gripper" Brenton as they reveal the historic collaboration between the 174th Attack Wing and NUAIR that has changed military aviation forever.
In November 2025, an MQ-9 Reaper drone made history as the first U.S. military uncrewed aircraft to fly on private civilian infrastructure. But this wasn't just a technical achievement - it was a glimpse into the future of airspace security, counter-UAS defense, and public-private partnerships.
Discover how lessons from Ukraine are reshaping American defense strategy, why co-located military and civilian airports need layered surveillance systems, and how Central New York became the proving ground for scalable, cost-effective airspace awareness solutions. From detecting small quadcopters to integrating large military drones, learn how NUAIR's surveillance-as-a-service network is bridging the gap between military readiness and civilian commerce.
Whether you're interested in drone technology, national security, or the future of air traffic management, this episode offers unprecedented insights into how innovation, community engagement, and dual-use technology are protecting American skies.
The views and opinions expressed by Lt. Col. Larned and D. Scott Brenton, Colonel (USAF, retired), in this podcast are solely their own and do not represent the official position or policy of the New York Air National Guard, the United States Air Force, the Department of War, or any other governmental agency or organization.
EP 1: Presidential Orders, Regulation Changes, and NUAIR's LOA
August 22, 2025
Megan and Andy break down what the new Presidential orders, Regulation changes and NUAIR's Letter of Acceptance means for NUAIR and the UAS industry in as a whole.
EP 2: Power Industry Perspectives on BVLOS Drone Operations
September 9, 2025
Megan Crout is joined by Nate Robie from Dominion Energy at the Commercial Drone Alliance BVLOS Stakeholder Summit in D.C. where representatives from every industry came to discuss and debate the Part 108 Rule. Nate shares his insights from Dominion Energy’s UAS operations and provides a valuable perspective from the power industry.
EP 3: New York's Avenues of Transportation: The New Highway in the Sky
October 8, 2025
In this special episode, Ken Stewart and Assemblyman Patrick Burke (New York Assembly District 142) discuss the future of drones and air mobility in New York. Stewart and Assemblyman Burke discuss the massive transformation happening in U.S. airspace, where hundreds of thousands of drones are already flying but existing infrastructure can only track a tiny fraction of them. From bridge inspections that could save millions to autonomous passenger flights launching sooner than most realize, this episode explores how transportation is being reimagined for the 21st century—and why government needs to move fast to keep up with innovation while ensuring public safety.
Source: Assemblyman Patrick Burke's Office
EP 4: Scaling Flight Innovation with NX Aviation
October 23, 2025
Garrick Christian, Senior Manager of NUAIR Defense, joins Colin Fischer, President of NX Aviation, for an in-depth conversation about entrepreneurialism in the uncrewed and manned aviation industry. Get a firsthand look at the "glass-chewing moments" of a founder, the pay-off of strategic growth, and insight on the latest wins from NX Aviation including: • Purchase of Part 135 Operator: Midwest Air Link. • Award of SBIR Phase III eligibility.
EP 5: The Next Generation of Pilots
November 14, 2025
The job description of a remote pilot has changed quicker than almost any other role in aviation. In this episode, we take a breath during NUAIR's latest tour and talk with two of our pilots, Brice Basic and Isaac Olmsted. Isaac has been a pilot with NUAIR since 2024 and, while Brice has been a pilot with NUAIR since 2022, his work extends beyond the sticks as NUAIR's Advanced Operations Specialist. We get to learn insights from their own career paths and discuss things like autonomy, sensors, and what the future of remote piloting might look like.
Stay Tuned... more episodes are on the horizon!
Season 1 Episodes
S2 Ep1: Counter-UAS and Collaborative Defense: Inside the Innovation with NUAIR and the 174th Attack Wing
January 15, 2026
Join host Megan Crout for a groundbreaking conversation with Lieutenant Colonel Drew "Buzz" Larned and NUAIR Chief of Safety Scott "Gripper" Brenton as they reveal the historic collaboration between the 174th Attack Wing and NUAIR that has changed military aviation forever.
In November 2025, an MQ-9 Reaper drone made history as the first U.S. military uncrewed aircraft to fly on private civilian infrastructure. But this wasn't just a technical achievement - it was a glimpse into the future of airspace security, counter-UAS defense, and public-private partnerships.
Discover how lessons from Ukraine are reshaping American defense strategy, why co-located military and civilian airports need layered surveillance systems, and how Central New York became the proving ground for scalable, cost-effective airspace awareness solutions. From detecting small quadcopters to integrating large military drones, learn how NUAIR's surveillance-as-a-service network is bridging the gap between military readiness and civilian commerce.
Whether you're interested in drone technology, national security, or the future of air traffic management, this episode offers unprecedented insights into how innovation, community engagement, and dual-use technology are protecting American skies.
The views and opinions expressed by Lt. Col. Larned and D. Scott Brenton, Colonel (USAF, retired), in this podcast are solely their own and do not represent the official position or policy of the New York Air National Guard, the United States Air Force, the Department of War, or any other governmental agency or organization.