Building the Future - CSU Drone Center's Vision and Innovation

In Part 2 of DroneCast: Rethinking Public Safety, One Drone at a Time, we continue our conversation with Christopher Robertson, Director of the CSU Drone Center, focusing on the real-world challenges of sustaining and scaling public safety drone programs. The discussion goes beyond technology, offering a candid look at funding, leadership, and long-term program development.

Chris breaks down how modern UAS programs are funded through a mix of grants, education initiatives, cost-recovery services, and industry partnerships. He explains how these strategies support hands-on training, STEM education, and access to advanced aircraft like the Autel Dragonfish—giving students and first responders rare exposure to long-endurance ISR platforms that increasingly rival traditional government systems in both capability and cost.

The episode also explores emerging technologies such as Drones as First Responders (DFR), drone-in-a-box systems, CAD integration, and autonomous dispatch. Drawing on his background in law enforcement and 911 dispatch, Chris explains how launching drones directly from dispatch centers could dramatically improve response times and officer safety, while addressing public concerns through transparency and proactive community engagement.

Rounding out the conversation, Chris shares his vision for the future of the CSU Drone Center, including investment in American-made aircraft, regulatory progress at the FAA, and plans for a purpose-built airfield facility. He also offers advice for aspiring drone professionals, emphasizing that Part 107 is only the starting point—and that long-term success comes from deep system knowledge, continuous learning, and curiosity.

What You'll Learn:

How public safety drone programs are funded through grants, education, and services
Why hands-on access to aircraft like the Dragonfish is a game-changer
What Drones as First Responders (DFR) really mean for dispatch and response times
How public perception impacts drone adoption—and how agencies can manage it
Why transparency matters more than fear when introducing drones to communities
The growing role of American-made drones in government-funded research
How FAA processes are improving—and where challenges still exist
What it takes to build a long-term, sustainable drone career
Why being a “drone nerd” matters more than just passing Part 107

Helpful Links:

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Episode Highlights:

[02:54] Hands-On with the Dragonfish
Chris explains why access to long-endurance ISR aircraft like the Dragonfish is rare—and how civilian platforms are closing the gap with military-grade systems.
[04:28] Emerging Technologies That Matter
From eVTOLs to autonomous dispatch-launched drones, Chris shares what excites him most about the next wave of UAS innovation.
[07:14] American-Made Drones & Research Reality
Why government-funded research is accelerating the push toward U.S.-manufactured aircraft—and what that means for the industry.
[10:03] The True Cost of Drone Programs
Chris breaks down why drones aren’t “toys” and how cost misunderstandings limit adoption, especially in small agencies.
[13:23] Public Perception vs. Reality
Why fears of surveillance are often overstated—and how transparency and community engagement change the narrative.
[17:00] FAA Progress & Regulatory Wins
A real-world example of approvals dropping from 44 days to just 5—and why that matters for public safety operations.
[19:02] The 5-Year Vision for the CSU Drone Center
A look at the future: a purpose-built airfield facility designed for collaboration, training, and next-gen drone research.
[24:23] Advice for the Next Generation of Drone Pilots
Why Part 107 is only the beginning—and how deep system knowledge separates average pilots from true professionals.
[28:33] Video Games, Running, and Better Pilots
How gaming, muscle memory, and mental clarity contribute to better drone operators.

Episode Resources:

Christopher Robertson on LinkedIn
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