Team Profile: Douglas Madrid

Our team enables us to do everything that we do — and each individual offers unique expertise and perspective. That’s why we’re featuring our team members on our blog and offering an opportunity for you to learn how they're contributing to our successes, as well as the overarching UAS industry. This month, we're featuring Lead Pilot Douglas Madrid.

Q: Tell us about your background.

A: I graduated with a bachelor of science in geology from Georgia Southern. Before joining Skytec in 2019, I was a field technician based in North Carolina using terrestrial lidar. I flew drones for photogrammetry, scanning stockpiles and providing volumetric data. I’ve always been intrigued by UAS and imaging like LiDAR, and since I’ve been in this field, I haven’t stopped learning. I was excited to find an opportunity to work as a pilot with Skytec. I like the tight-knit team and I’m happy to live closer to where I grew up in Rome, Georgia.

Q: Describe your role here at Skytec.

A: I’m Skytec’s lead pilot for unmanned aerial vehicles. I coordinate and fly all projects that come through Skytec for photogrammetry or LiDAR. In addition to completing flights, I manage the flight department, ensuring our fleet is ready to meet the demand of potential industry changes. I acquire data so our data specialists can process and analyze information to share with clients.

There is so much technology involved in our flights, and I enjoy the challenge of each flight. We have systems with complex components that keep me on my toes. I’m always eager to learn and become comfortable and confident flying for any type of job.

Flying our equipment requires a lot of on-the-spot critical thinking and planning. Providing data to clients that they’re happy with is one of the greatest feelings — when the hard work of acquiring data pays off. I get to enjoy the views of places we fly for clients, and I get to work outside.

Q: What’s one way you’ve contributed to the overarching momentum in the UAS industry?

A: As a UAS pilot, I’m always learning about our technology and how to best maintain each component. The Skytec team has served as a pioneer for understanding some models of aircraft and how to get the maximum potential out of each one. Skytec was among the first to start flying a hybrid aircraft, and understanding two-stroke engines is key for keeping a hybrid aircraft flying.

We’ve been learning the ins and outs of each aircraft and we’ve been able to dramatically improve our skills. There’s a learning curve with all UAS, especially hybrid aircraft. Through our constant drive to improve, we’re able to keep aircraft up for more than an hour, much longer than the standard 15 to 17 minutes most companies maintain. This allows Skytec to cover upwards of 1,600 acres in a day.

Q: What’s the most common misconception you hear about what you do (whether from people in or out of your industry)?

A: I hear that some people are skeptical of LiDAR technology and its capabilities. It’s incredible that we can solve problems with data in a day that past surveying work could take days or weeks to acquire. Thorough, high-quality work in acquisition makes a difference for finalized data. We never cut corners and we ensure the data we provide, especially though LiDAR, is usable and accessible for clients.

I’m excited to be in an industry that is rapidly evolving. It’s gaining so much traction and I’m eager to see what’s to come.

Q: What do you do when you’re not at work?

A: When I’m not working, I like to go outside and play soccer when possible. I like hiking and flying drones to capture cool scenery and views. I also enjoy playing video games. I’ve applied some of the skills of video games, like adapting quickly to a certain situation and understanding different controls, to my work at Skytec flying drones.