Meet Michael Hill | CEO/Keynote Speaker/Drone Expert

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what matters most to you?
Integrity matters most to me, but integrity means a lot more than just being “honest.” It also means valuing other people’s time, giving credit where it is due, not taking advantage of others and giving people the benefit of the doubt.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a Professional Drone Pilot. While anyone can learn to fly a drone and get their FAA Part 107 “Drone Pilot” license, building an Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) “drone” consulting company requires a significant investment of time and resources to offer the kind of value required for the high-end industrial applications the market needs. I started my business like many other drone pilots taking aerial photos and videos for real estate and marketing purposes, but to be hired for the more sophisticated projects like we have for aerial mapping, wind turbine inspections, search and recovery missions, telecom inspections, television shows and construction progress videos this requires much more training and a lot more advanced equipment that includes thermal imaging and LIDAR sensors. Since starting Cumulus Technologies, I have accumulated over 2980+ hours of UAS flight time, while performing 3000+ incident-free missions as a remote pilot in command (RPIC) and have earned certifications from FEMA, OSHA 30, and the highest level of UAS safety certifications, the Pro Level III, from the Unmanned Safety Institute. With this experience, I have been able to serve as a consultant helping governmental entities develop Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) protocols for our National Airspace (NAS), as well as work as the legislative Chairman for the North Central Texas Council of Governments UAS Taskforce in working with legislators in developing and defining our drone laws here in Texas. Part of my consulting practice has been in helping school districts develop curriculum for them to implement drone programs. In addition, I am honored to volunteer my flying skills to both the North Texas Public Safety Unmanned Response Team (NTXPSURT) and as a Senior Member of the Texas Wing of the Civil Air Patrol as a UAS Search and Rescue pilot covering FEMA disaster missions during times of need throughout the United States.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When we are not in the middle of a pandemic, there are some excellent local museums and attractions including the Perot Museum and the Frontiers of Flight Museum, or I would recommend taking in a concert at the Glass Cactus or Lava Cantina. For a taste of the local flavor try the barbecue at Hard Eight and Tex-Mex cuisine at Gloria’s you cannot go wrong.  However even during a pandemic, North Texas hospitality is world renown.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My wife Michelle. She Inspires me every day. From her days as Ms. Texas to the mother of our 3 wonderful girls, Bailey, Aubrey, and Ellie, she is a whirlwind of energy and accomplishes so much every day all while battling MS. I give her this well-deserved shoutout because of her sweet and loving personality, (Even though she can drive me crazy sometimes) and her ability to always find the positive message in everything which has made me a better person.

Website: https://www.cumulusimaging.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cumulustechnologies/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljameshill/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CumulusImaging

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TXUASPilot

Image Credits
All Image rights are owned by Cumulus Technologies, Inc.