Mission & Vision
CrossFlight's Mission and Vision is to become the US and Industry leader in delivering premier Aerial Imaging and Data Collection, sUAS Training, and Consulting services. We strive to educate and train students to safely and efficiently operate and understand the capabilities and limitations of commercial drones. We desire to introduce a younger generation to drones through industry leading STEM education in High Schools and using drones as a resource for enhancing student learning and exposure to careers in aviation, robotics, communications, and other technical fields. We assembled a world-class team of industry professionals to serve our customers and to enhance the safety of the commercial drone industry.
It All Started When…
The growing number of commercial drones have exceeded the number of commercial airplanes in the National Airspace System (NAS). We saw a growing number of non-aviation professionals who were operating drones for recreational and commercial purposes without training and knowledge of the NAS. The drones are the largest fleet of aircraft in the world today, and the professionals from CrossFlight are training the next generation about the important nature of this industry and how to safety operate drones with manned aircraft and other air vehicles. We have a big mission and vision, but with God’s help we can achieve great things.
The CrossFlight SKY SOLUTIONS name?
Meet The Team
JERRY WHITTAKER
~Owner
~Chief Executive Officer, CEO
~FAA Part 107 sUAS Pilot
Jerry is an FAA Certified UAS Drone Pilot and founder of CrossFlight Sky Solutions. Jerry has 35 + years of aviation experience working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the United States Navy. He has extensive experience leading and managing teams of aviation professionals and systems engineering teams to develop and implement complex technical solutions. He is a leading expert with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Air Traffic Control and Systems Engineering. Jerry served as an FAA Air Traffic controller for 26 years and participating on several aviation industry working groups advancing Air Traffic Management (ATM) concepts and technology standards.
MARK HOWARD, MBA
~Chief Operating Officer, COO
~FAA Part 107 sUAS Pilot
As Chief Operating Officer, Mark provides leadership and direction in fulfilling CrossFlight's day to day operations and future growth. His education and over 30 years of experience leading many different types of teams in the public, private, and not for profit sectors worldwide, lend themselves uniquely to our team and it's goal to be the market leader in the Drone Education, Consulting, and Operations markets.
JOEY ROBERTS
~Innovation and Technology Manager
~FAA Part 107 sUAS Pilot
As CrossFlight's Innovation and Technology Manager Joey employs his knowledge of web design, programming languages, Learning Management System development, film and photography skills, and problem solving to provide a unique point of view to our operations. Joey is a graduate of the University of South Carolina Beaufort with a Bachelor of Art in Studio Art concentrating in Media Design and a minor in Computational Science. As a student at USCB Joey received his Part 107 Certification to provide aerial photography and videography to clients; leading him to his current position at CrossFlight. Taking an enthusiastic approach to emerging technologies, Joey is excited to help with the integration of sUAS into the national airspace system with safe drone operations, technology and education.
JULIAN B. WESTON IV
~Manager of LiDAR Operations
~FAA Part 107 sUAS Pilot
Julian is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina class of 2020 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He started with CrossFlight as an intern during his college summers, where he became an FAA Part 107 sUAS Pilot. Upon his graduation, Julian moved to a full time position as Manager of LiDAR Operations, specializing in drone services for surveyors, engineers, and other industrial applications. Julian's role is crucial to our clients by bridging the gap between a new technology, and it's beneficial implementation into industry.
AL WOODALL
~Regional Sales Representative,
Atlanta GA
~FAA Part 107 sUAS Pilot
Al Woodall is one of CrossFlight’s Regional Representatives serving the State of Georgia. He studied Civil Engineering at GTCC and Mechanical Engineering at NC A&T University both in Greensboro, NC. He was a staff engineer for Raymond & Associates where he designed several projects including infrastructures on the UGA and Athens Academy campuses.
Al is a Part 107 FAA Certified UAS Drone Pilot and Instructor with over 10 years’ experience in management and leadership training. Internationally, he has taught and trained several Drone Squads for the National Police in parts of West Africa. Al’s mission and goal is to use his special leadership skills, knowledge and delivery to create outstanding service to all CrossFlight clients.
TONY PETRUCCI
~Operations Lead
~Master Instructor
~FAA Part 107 sUAS Pilot
Tony acts as a Master instructor for CrossFlight with over 25 years of teaching experience at both the College and High School level. Tony teaches our professional development trainings and is a lead developer of our sUAS Part 107 curriculum products and certifications. Tony also acts as an operational lead, spearheading our safety procedures and helping create repeatable operational methods. Tony is a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran having served for 31 years.
JIM GRIGSBY
~Master Instructor
~Curriculum Developer
~Safety Officer
~FAA Part 107 sUAS Pilot
Jim Grigsby is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and former Command Pilot/Instructor with over 4,000 flying hours. After retiring from active duty he led two Air Force JROTC unit high school programs and retired as a North Carolina teacher after 16 years. He is a former adjunct instructor for Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and taught aviation courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He holds a BS in Business Administration, an MS in Systems Management and an MS in Aeronautical Science. He holds FAA Commercial Pilot and Remote Pilot certificates and has been in the drone industry since 2017. He has instructed and developed drone curriculum for CrossFlight since that time.
COLBY ESCOE
~Technology Intern
~Studying For Part 107 License
Colby is currently studying at the University of South Carolina Beaufort aiming to graduate in 2024 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Information Science & Technology. As an intern for CrorssFlight Colby works as part of the IT team as we update the webpages and curriculum and is attempting to get his FAA Part 107 uUAS Pilot certification.
JAY CHEATHAM, MS
~Technical Specialist
~Studying For Part 107 License
~Graphic Designer
As a Technical Specialist for CrossFlight Sky Solutions, Jay utilizes his skills that he gained during his studies at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Art in Studio Art in 2017 and a Master of Science in Computational Science in 2021. A “jack of all trades”, Jay assists with various areas of the “behind the scenes” when it comes to working with the tech team at CrossFlight while helping with any graphic design, photography and website design work when needed.
Dewberry Team Hands On Flight Training- Bluffton Training Center, SC
Battery Creek, Drone Day Training for High School Students, Beaufort SC
I took three different online Part 107 classes and failed my FAA exam after each one. It wasn’t until I attended your class at Trident Tech that I finally felt like I was learning. And I passed my exam with a 90%! Thanks!
Cliff Thomas, Student
We love having CrossFlight as an educational partner and your program is truly turn key. You have helped our students get excited about the future of drones. Thank you for your passion and professionalism!
Chris
CrossFlight is without a doubt the leader in drone education and training. They have led us all the way through our employee drone pilot training and been irreplaceable in helping us establish our drone program.
Nat Stein, CEO Nucor Steel Mfg.
