2025 Aerial Achievement Awards Winners

The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Unit (FCSORU) is an all-volunteer team of fully certified law enforcement officers who contribute more than 8,000 hours of service each year. Through a community-funded partnership, the unit launched a Skydio drone program to bring advanced technology to rural areas of Arkansas.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Florida is using drones to enhance public safety, with daily deployments supporting search and rescue, tactical missions, and emergency response. Integrated Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations offer critical real-time visibility for deputies on the ground.

At Travis Air Force Base, the 60th Maintenance Group completed the DoD’s first in-house drone training for aircraft inspection, enabling Airmen to detect cracks and corrosion without lifts or harnesses. The program is saving thousands of man-hours while improving readiness and fleet safety.

In residential and commercial areas, AEP’s docked drones inspect distribution lines within a 3-mile radius with a Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) waiver from the FAA. They are the first program to routinely monitor infrastructure in dense, populated environments.

The New York Power Authority uses drones to remotely inspect hazardous, hard-to-access infrastructure including hydropower plants such as dams. By choosing to risk the machine, not the person, NYPA improves safety while capturing detailed visual data—enabling efficient, informed maintenance without sending inspectors into dangerous environments.

Southern California Edison (SCE) is setting a new benchmark in utility drone operations with one of the largest autonomous inspection programs in the country. With more than 100 drones in deployment and additional docked systems on the way, SCE has redefined how inspections are conducted across transmission lines, distribution networks, substations, and high fire risk areas.

Redmond officers responded to a reported missing endangered 80-year-old man who suffers from dementia and diabetes. Officers searched the heavily wooded area nearby but were unable to locate him. A drone was deployed, and the man was found uninjured and reunited with his family.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department’s DFR program provided critical aerial support during a nighttime rescue on Lone Mountain. Using spotlights and live feeds, the drone team guided rescuers to a stranded climber, helping ensure a safe recovery under challenging conditions.

Since launching in July 2024, West Palm Beach PD’s DFR program has flown over 1,900 missions, with drones often arriving first on scene. Integrated with Axon systems and FAA waivers, the initiative supports patrol, SWAT, and federal partners with real-time aerial intelligence.

Philadelphia Police launched DFR operations in July 2024, supporting incidents from missing persons to major events like the Eagles’ Super Bowl celebration. With proven impact on response and safety, the program is becoming a key asset in the city’s public safety strategy.

Turner Construction’s Digital Superintendent is a fully-autonomous, always-available resource to provide continuous site visibility without increasing headcount. By automating routine site scans and integrating real-time data into existing workflows, they are reducing the lag between observation and action.

Dominion Energy is transforming infrastructure inspections with drone docks deployed across solar sites and substations. Autonomous flights enable faster, safer asset monitoring, setting a new standard for operational efficiency and grid resilience in the utility sector.

LNG Canada has deployed Canada’s first docked drone for thermal flare monitoring, capturing critical data at over 1,200°C. Operating in extreme environments, the system enhances safety and efficiency while advancing the standard for industrial inspection technology.

Through the SOAR program, Caltrans and Alaska DOT&PF are deploying solar-powered drone docks for infrastructure monitoring and emergency response. From remote villages to urban centers, these autonomous flights deliver real-time GIS data to accelerate public works decisions.

The U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division is using the Skydio X10D to stream live video between field teams and command units. This real-time aerial network boosts targeting speed, situational awareness, and mission coordination across tactical operations at scale.

The Pasco County Unmanned Systems Task Force bridges jurisdictional boundaries by uniting Fire, EMS, and LEAs under a single drone ops framework. Equipment, expertise, and best practices flow freely between agencies, maximizing resource efficiency and unlocking faster responses in emergencies. This first-of-its-kind model redefines how public safety agencies collaborate.

Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a critical incident involving two young children, ages 7 and 9, armed with a loaded firearm. Using real-time aerial support from the X10, deputies maintained situational awareness and safely secured the scene—preventing what could have become a deadly force encounter.