Jeff Hemming is a drone enthusiast and expert that is devoted to educating and advising industry, government agencies, academia and individuals on the safe, responsible, and effective employment of drones. Jeff is the founder and President of Carolina Drone Academy. 

 

Jeff’s passion for spreading the good word about drones and drone solutions led to the creation of Carolina Drone Academy in 2016. US Military/DOD Agencies, law enforcement and first responders, colleges, media companies, roofing companies, ag companies, engineering firms, construction companies, telecom industry, utilities, surveyors, and aspiring pilots rely upon Jeff to provide classroom and hands-on training with drones from the beginner level to the most advanced solutions training. 

 

In 2018, this training was recognized as an industry leader and Carolina Drone Academy was awarded AUVSI’s Xcellence Award in Drone Training and Education at the annual conference in Chicago. IL.  The following year, Jeff was individually recognized as a top 3 national finalist in Drone Training and Education Individual Professional and recognized at the 2019 annual conference in Denver, CO.  See our blog page for the press releases.

 

In 2018, Jeff was also selected to serve as part of the international steering committee that developed the industry’s Trusted Operators Program to establish international benchmark drone training and operational standards. Jeff has served as a Judge in selecting the final speakers and presentations to be featured at the Annual AUVSI Xponential Conferences. 

 

In 2023, Jeff was appointed to the FAA Safety Team for the South Carolina Flight Safety District Office. Carolina Drone Academy’s training is approved by the SC Criminal Justice Academy. Our Institutional Provider Number is 703. 

 

For organizations that want to ensure that their sUAS program is operating as safe and responsible as possible, Jeff provides drone standards and compliance audits and reviews. Need help with a waiver or an authorization, we also provide those services. We hold a waiver for flights over people (107.39) and flights over moving vehicles (107.145). Contact us today to discuss your drone training and education needs.