The COA Liability Trap: A Critical Warning for Public Safety Drone Programs with Greg Reverdiau

Episode notes

In Part 2 of this compelling DroneCast series, host Joe Kearns reconnects with Greg Reverdiau of the Pilot Institute to explore the next phase of public safety drone program development—one rooted in safety culture, human factors, and future-readiness. Greg brings over two decades of experience as a flight instructor and holds a master’s degree in aviation human factors. As the co-founder of the Pilot Institute, he has helped thousands of drone pilots—from career changers to public safety professionals—transition into successful roles through structured, comprehensive training programs. Known for his deep expertise in FAA regulations, safety management systems, and instructional design, Greg’s approach centers on transforming drone operators into aviation professionals who understand both the technical and human elements of flight. In this episode, Greg outlines how public safety agencies can move beyond technical training to develop pilots who think and act like aviators. He emphasizes the importance of a proactive safety culture that encourages incident reporting without fear, the necessity of fatigue and stress management, and the crucial role of community knowledge sharing.