I began my career in the power line industry in 1980 with Georgia Power. After going through the apprenticeship program there I was a lineman in both T&D, serving as a barehand lineman in transmission for several years before transitioning to a contractor to do barehand work from helicopters. Following a helicopter crash and a short stint in the fire reconstruction business, I returned to Georgia Power to work as a Troubleman, then a Trouble Supervisor, making sure the electricity was restored from issues around Metro Atlanta. During this time, we started using drones to assist with various projects, including storm response and the patrolling of lines in difficult areas. Three years ago, I was afforded the opportunity to join the Aerial Services team at Southern Company as a full time UAS Pilot. I continue to fly missions on a regular basis, and I am also the UAS Training Coordinator for Southern Company, where we have trained over 300 pilots throughout the Southern Company system. In my spare time I enjoy golf, hot rods, Harleys, smoking meat, and my beautiful family.