Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): I Know What You Flew Last Summer

Adrian Bates-Domingo (‘22, ‘23) had always been intrigued watching his friends fly drones on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, where he grew up and when he discovered he could turn his interest into a career, he set his sights on a college that would prepare him for that.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ticked all the boxes, including the school’s reputation for innovation, the strength of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program and the more intimate class sizes.

“For me, having that small classroom size to speak with professors and get a little more personal with your classmates, that really helped me throughout my degree program,” he said.

UAS Summer Programs

Bates-Domingo has gained vast and valuable experience taking part in various summer programs that Embry-Riddle offers UAS students, applying what he learned in the classroom to a variety of unique, once-in-a-lifetime research projects.

In addition to participating in the Turtle Tech project, which uses drones to track nesting habits of sea turtles, and spending a summer in New Mexico and Arizona mapping ancient cities using UAS technology, he has also contributed to prescribed fire research. The project consisted of flying drones over a controlled fire to collect data from the smoke and air particles.

“We would actually use that data to give to the firefighters and other emergency responders to help better predict fires,” he explained; in turn, helping them learn how to fight fires more efficiently.

Bates-Domingo also spent a summer in Oklahoma being what he described as a “post-damage tornado chaser,” where he would use drones to survey tornado-affected areas and assess damage.

He credits these hands-on summer opportunities for the confidence he has gained in preparing for his future.

“That jumpstarted me into showing that I am capable of being in the more senior projects with the university,” he said. “Each trip has benefited me immediately the following semesters.”

He’s even been able to tap into his artistic side on these trips filming several drone missions, a skill he developed recording his brother’s surf sessions on Oahu.

Dr. Dan Macchiarella, professor in the Aeronautical Science Department, praised him for his ability to document these important moments in UAS research. “[He’s} an excellent UAS operator and artistically creates video from drone footage,” he commented. “His work is amazing and world class!”

Using UAS to Help the Environment

In the short term, after graduation, Bates-Domingo looks to break into the UAS industry through the many connections he has made networking during his time at Embry-Riddle. And he is willing to go anywhere his career takes him.

“I want to explore and see the world,” he said. “I want to travel. I want to see different places.”

Long-term, Bates-Domingo has lofty goals of making a difference in the ever-evolving landscape of UAS.

“My long-term goal is to be a UAS or drone consultant, and I know that only comes with experience, trust in the industry and who you know,” Bates-Domingo said. He added, “I want to fly an aircraft for a research project because that's what I’ve been doing here at Riddle.”

At the core of his professional goals is highlighting the importance of sustainability and environmental research. As the great nephew of lifeguard and surfing legend Eddie Aikau, he comes from a storied bloodline that understands the importance of community outreach and ocean education. His mother and stepfather are heavily involved in community and environmental efforts in Hawaii and have passed that passion onto their son.

“These great examples set by my parents have led me to wanting to use my degree in unmanned systems in the industry of environment and sustainability in wildlife research,” he said.

Bates-Domingo feels Embry-Riddle's UAS program stands out from programs at other institutions.

“For research, hands-on opportunities and the general experience of how an operation goes, as well as getting a footstep in the industry, I feel like Embry-Riddle is a great place for that,” he concluded.