How Drones are Connecting Guam Across the Pacific

Welcome back to drones and America by market scale I'm your host, frank, yet I'm a partner in the unmanned aircraft systems, team leader at the law firm of atoms and Reese. Today, we are joined by bell means aviation, a thriving drone company that's about as far West as you can get when it comes to being regulated by the FAA. They are located on the island of Guam and are up to some really exciting things. So without further ado, I want to introduce them to everyone. have Charlie Hermosa, who is the president and co-founder. We also have Carla Cordeiro, who is the chief operating officer and co-founder. And we also had Donald Lee, who is a strategic partner. I want to welcome to the program. Colonel, I hope I pronounced your name right. If I didn't. Please forgive me. My last name is pronounced about 10 different ways in Louisiana alone. So I answered pretty much anything. So I want to welcome you guys to the program. And when I first heard about you, it was real interesting because when we think of Guam, you know, a lot of people think either island destination or the remote part of the world. And it's a beautiful place. We've all seen the pictures. I, unfortunately, have been able to make it out there yet. But Guam is the United States territory. So you are governed by the FAA and regulations that the mainland United States are governed by. Charlie, why don't we start with you and tell us a little bit about how bellydance aviation is for sure? No, absolutely. And great. You know, we really do appreciate the opportunity to be on the show. I think we've looked at all the episodes. Amazing, great information. And I think your audience just loves and thrives on the content that you put out there. So thank you for having us on the show. And so basically the know, the bellowing concept came about actually even before the COVID took place back in December. One of the things that we were looking at, we actually started a small delivery company, online delivery, working help and trying to help online partners deliver goods around the island. Well, one of the things that we noticed about making the deliveries was the fact that because we're in a remote area far west, as you mentioned, the GPS or the map locations weren't really up to par. They weren't really picking the right location. And then we also were receiving orders where folks didn't have an address where they would give us a location of, you know, make a right at the yellow house and then go down to houses to make a left. And so we were really trying to look at more of an efficient way to be able to deliver goods. And so I'm an avid I love supply chain. I'm an avid logistician. I mean, that's what I thrive on. I look at things and I try to see how I can improve it just from even from the current infrastructure. How can we use the current infrastructure to make deliveries and logistics so much better? So with that in mind, I started talking to pearla and pearla as an avid aviator. So she has a private pilot's license at that point. And so we started talking about drones and we started doing a little bit of market research and obviously it just all started to come together and we just saw the dynamics of the technology that was being developed throughout the world. And so we started we embarked in this journey of trying to create a company that would create efficiencies here on Guam. But then as we started talking to folks and kind of let them know what we were doing in other regions out here, started giving us interest as far as could you do that down? Could you do the same thing down here in alto or in the FM on in other parts of the island nations in this region? So we really put it in full force, put a good concept together and obviously cavorted. But it was actually, you know, we talk about that. It actually helped us out because it gave us a good opportunity to get a lot of information for folks that probably wouldn't be able to get on meetings. But everybody was working from home. So you couldn't tell me? No, because we could Zoom and we, you know, everybody. So the flexibility of folks being able to come online was a lot easier than it would have been if it didn't hit. So that was one positive for us. It gave us a little bit more time to put the business plan together and get some of the machinery of the drones that we needed to do some tests test flights. And and that's what we've been doing. We've been trying to put the business plan in motion, trying to see exactly. We had to pivot a little bit as. Well, because we actually it's a double edged sword, right where the furthest West point, but we're also regulated by the FAA. So we really started digging deep into the regulations. And, you know, obviously everybody understands that the regulations that are there out there and that we need to follow. So, you know, as a business, we needed to see how we could also generate some revenue. So we started looking at other potential revenue streams and one that popped up. That was just a natural fit. I think everybody's been at the beach, whether it's Florida, Louisiana, anywhere in Texas, and they fly the banners right with the planes. And so we were like, gosh, we don't have any banners here. I don't nobody flies. And things would be like it would be pretty cool if we can use the drones to fly the banners and make general announcements for the government, make general commercial announcements. And as soon as you use it, as soon as you say drones and ads, people just they gravitate just because it sounds sexy and cool. Right I think that's the part. And then the third component was something that would actually come on online right away would be the drone light show. So that's the other. Those are the two that we saw as a good fit until we continue to test and work with the delivery side and go through the FAA waiting for the regulations to come down and going through all that. So that's pretty much where we are. We're headed. We've been able to connect with some great companies, not only on the US mainland side, but around the world and Israel and Europe. We've been able to really look at some great technology out there. And one of the things that we always try to do is really we try to post as much beautiful pictures of the island just so that we can entice everybody to come here one day. And, grant, you will be here if even if we have to drag you, we'll send you a ticket and we'll bring you out of here. I think you'll get a different sense of, you know, sort of like you said, it's paradise. But we're still being regulated by the faa, which is pretty, pretty interesting. So we're really excited on the journey that we're taking right now. And one of the biggest ones partnerships has been with the Valkyrie group. And that's been a great I honestly think that that's going to be a game changer for a region out here, a huge game changer, not just from the chain of custody, but also for the fact that that will change the dynamics of people that don't have access in our region to the normal day delivery type systems with their mailbox or maybe their homes don't have an address per se. That will be a game changer. So we're really excited about that. And as I said, not only for Guam, but also for the region. And well, first of all, let me say, you don't need to drag me out there. I told my wife we're coming, so we will be there as soon as we can. Essentially can line up some baby sitters because I've seen pictures just beautiful. And, you know, to be able to see what you guys are doing with drones is just the chance of a lifetime. So I definitely will be out there. And I also want to add you brought up a good point, and that's how cold it kind of brought some opportunities for us, for belding's aviation. And I know, like in my practice, one of the things I've seen is drone deliveries, both part one. 35 certifications and type certifications have just the applications for those have just skyrocketed, you know, figuratively speaking, because. Really, we've seen the public gravitate towards drone deliveries with covid-19 people are appreciating social distancing more than they ever have before living on an island, I'm sure you understand distancing probably better than most of mainland Americans do and being able to utilize technology to provide people with necessary items, whether it be toiletries or covid-19 test or other medications. These things are so critical. And I believe that's where the future in the drone industry. That's definitely one very positive area. And it's great to see that you guys are already implementing that. And I have no doubt it's going to be a success. I also have to say internally mean you and I have talked in December. I told you this. You gave me one of I used to say, I've heard it all when it comes to drones, what they can be used for. I have never heard of them used for aerial advertising before. And so I just thought that was such a cool use case for them and one that I suspect a lot of seem to be engaged men will be contacting you for so that they can write will you marry me In the sky with the drone? Because I just think that's absolutely one of the coolest things I've seen thus far. Now, part of it Tom me a little bit about your background. Trolly mentioned you were involved with aviation and that you have that background. What made you kind of gravitate towards drones? Grant, I love the aviation industry. I mean, give me anything aviation. I'm right at it. I started off with United as a flight attendant, and I've been with them for 20. Out here in want to start off as I started with continental Micronesia. So I've been a long time old timer. I may not look like it, but 23 years with the company, now with the United. It's always been a childhood passion to become a pilot as well. So now hero, when we didn't have that opportunity. I have parents that during that time, that era, I would say they didn't have the resources to help them pursue me wanting to become a pilot. And it was just it was something that wasn't available. And so being a flight attendant just seemed a lot easier and my way into the aviation industry out here. So, of course, that was my stepping stone. And years later, it was it was bucket list that before I turned 40, I would eventually become a pilot somehow. And I did exactly that. And in 2015 I went out to California and pursued my private pilot's license and did that in about three months time. I had the time and the money to drop on it and I was determined to get my license. And thereafter the experience was such an amazing. I mean, it's unforgettable, and my first solo flight was just I wanted to share it with everybody I knew back home and the children and every woman that wanted to ever become a pilot or just be in the aviation industry. And so with that experience and the passion that had just was. That had rebuilt within me, just brought it back home and also created a couple of years later. Established women in aviation international one chapter, so unfortunately, when we launched the chapter, kocot happened the island shut down. So, you know, it was we were going strong and everybody was excited. And it was we thought, wow, what a great opportunity. And we had some dignitaries that attended our launch. And everybody everyone was looking forward to what I Guam chapter was going to be able to bring the island and the benefits that will come with it for the young girls and women as well who are seeking that field. And then this came up. Right? I mean, it's like Charlie mentioned, you know, it was you know, it was an idea. And Charlie, is this a he's an amazing guy. He's not just he's amazing. I'm the person that's like, hey, this is an idea. And Charlie has, like, these hands of gold that just makes it unfold and becomes this, you know, something solid. So, Yeah. So that's pretty much how we ended up becoming fellow wings aviation and back and forth, bouncing off ideas. And eventually, I think because of the person, he is just making sure that our passion and our drive, you know, it unfolds into something real and that's going to move forward and of course, benefit the island and then being able to bring jobs and opportunities. I mean, that's our biggest thing is. The jobs and opportunities that this industry is going to be able to create, it's beyond it's beyond what this island can ever expect. We shouldn't be behind the rest of the world who's moving forward in this industry? It's a brand new industry. It's been around. Yes, but it's such a fast growing industry that we should be right along with everyone else. I completely agree, and I'm sure I know and I'm glad this is getting recorded, and if you can just give me those snippets on those great things she was saying, oh, I'll buy them the back pocket. I will. I think we can hook you up, Charlie. But I mean, the thing is, again, Guam is America. So not only are you doing things for the four women in the world and women in the industry, but this is also very much an American movement as well. And so and helping quantic, you're also helping America succeed. And I think as far as our FAQ becomes more encouraging of American made source drones, I believe it's important for American industries to really rise to the challenge. And show the FAA they're ready to take this thing all the way, to do what they can with this industry, provide the jobs that, of course, the technological benefits to the public, but also earned the trust of the FAA through showcasing safe operations. And that's why it's so important. So having this aspect of America that's able to help grow the industry I think is so critical. I wonder, as I sit here, you guys are obviously the westernmost part of America who's the easternmost part? Do you know that the answer. Yeah the more I believe is one of the Virgin Islands. It's either Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands. Wow OK, so right before we started, what's the thing you said about guam? I thought it was really catchy. What is it about where America's day begins? It is where you. Absolutely you're so right now we're recording. It's five PM central time in Louisiana. It is, what, 9:00 AM on a Tuesday night in Guam. Right so I just I think that's so neat and so cool. And it's a reflection of COVID. We've all we're all having conversations just like this all day now with people from across the world. And it really has been a great tragedy because it's been it has opened some doors that I don't think otherwise would have been open drone deliveries being probably, like I said, the biggest one. But so I want to I know Lee is there as well. Is he able to come on? Yeah, we'll slide over. And also just one point also that I did want to share or not share, but just whenever we have the audience to be able to bring this up. As you know, we want the FAA to know that we're out here as well, because sometimes, because we're so remote and far west, we're always sort of in limbo on which region we report to. And and I would tell you, we want to be able to invite them to understand some of the capabilities that we do have here and just to let them know that don't forget about us out here, because we're trying to move as quickly and as far forward as the world is. And they've been great supporters. And I think we'll be able to share some other conversations that we've had with them, especially pearla. I joined the FAA safety team as well. So I'm the FAA from pro safety reference. We we are under Honolulu region. So there's a team of FAQs safety reps as well. And we all come together at least twice a month to collaborate on what's going on and keep that network between the field flyers and the FAA. It's fantastic because I mean, I want to say, if you're talking to the FAA and you're focused on ensuring the safety of the airspace, you're going to look towards the extremes on both sides, the Virgin Islands on the East and Guam to the West. And so I absolutely have no doubt the FAA is only going to become increasingly interested in what you're doing in Guam. I think it's so critical. You also have the advantage of being geographically close to other areas of the world where there is a lot of possibilities to learn from one another and some cross collaboration opportunities. So your position, your geographical position also gives you a strategic advantage. I would say it's going to be really interesting to see how all this plays out, because I think the FAA is going to be very impressed and interested in what you guys are doing. Long dong is a strategic partner, and I know he's also kind of been crucial to helping you guys get going. Don't you want to tell us a little bit about your background and how you became involved in. Highground, it's really great to meet you virtually, I know when Charley first told me he was getting married, I got pretty excited. I listened to your podcasts and Charlie said we're very appreciative of all the information that you're putting out there. Thank you. Appreciate oh, Yeah. I actually started out my professional career as a videographer, and a video editor. So the idea of having a drone like that is essentially a flying camera capturing like crazy English was amazing to me. So I purchased my first drone back in 2018 and I just been flying drones since then. And I've been doing a lot of aerial photography and videography services for businesses here, like the telecoms, the hotels and other businesses. And there's a very small island. So after working in this industry for a while, I got introduced to Charlie and when I heard what he was doing with the drone delivery and all of that good stuff, we just connected right away. So what I'm going to be doing with Charlie is in the aerial photography service. And beyond that, I have another company called eco fly where we just recently made an investment to do a drone mapping. So there is no drone mapping services currently on islands. So I'm very excited to bring that kind of service to Guam. So providing topographic data like that, the team or the mosaic's and modeling. So that's just kind of like what's going on and how amazing is that? I mean, we're just looking at some of the 3D models he's created right now. And to bring that technology to Guam is going to absolutely blow everybody's mind out here. And that's sort of what we're actually going to do. A quick test run right now from one of the models, 3D models. And we're going to use the VR goggles and we're going to step into that world. And it's amazing because one of the biggest issues that Guam has face is being actual get a detailed topography of the actual island. And so the technology is going to sort of fast forward us almost like 30 years, because right now it's been the standard. You put a post, you take a shot, you measure. But everything with the drone now can be done fairly quickly and very accurate. So the technology that the dong was just talking about is really going to revolutionize the construction industry out here. And it's just amazing. Again, all of these synergies are really coming together when we look at drones and the capabilities that they have. So now we're talking about 3D modeling for construction, helping out the first responders, doing light shows, doing the ads, doing the deliveries. You know, it's all sort of coming together. So it's really exciting. It's really, really exciting. It is. And you brought up a good point and donc mentioned how there's no mapping service on Guam. The thing about drones, it's not a solo, it's not an isolated industry. It's compatible with so many other end user industries and there's so many different uses for them. So you're really not just looking at helping out the mappers in the survey or you're also looking at construction? I'm sure there's going to be energy uses if there's not already insurance, real estate, the list is just going to go on and on. And then, of course, transportation, logistics and deliveries. And so being in that niche, kind of having that niche on this island and being able to showcase it to the rest of the world is really something special, because you're not only showing how drones as an industry can succeed, but your show and how these other end user industries that are critical to the island, how they are going to be increasingly using drones or why they should be they're safer. They're more cost effective. And it's just so many uses for them. And that doesn't even you're speaking to, as I mentioned, on the job aspect, the fact that women it's creating jobs. You know, one of the biggest things that I strive for in the industry is, is this industry started off as a older man's industry where you had a lot of inspectors who traditionally inspect the towers and they climb up them. Well, they started using drones, first course the military, then the recreational, and then it kind of transitioned over to tower inspectors. But one of the things that's really cool is in the United States with STEM programs and things like that, we're seeing young children. But little boys and little girls learning about this technology early on, and I think when you're an island like Guam could be a risk that maybe because you're geographically isolated, there's not necessarily going to be the carryover of that trend. But you guys sound like you're carrying it over. So that's great. And it's going to be a job producer, I think, for a lot of people. And this is going to make such a huge difference. I'm thinking infrastructure wise and the amount of money that other end user companies on the island are having to pay right now, once they start adopting this technology is just going to result in significant cost savings for them. You mentioned construction and of course, you mentioned deliveries and advertising. Charlie, what are some of the industries? Are one or two that you would say that are the most pois are best positioned to utilize bellus services? I think right now, most in the short term right now, I think that the drone ads are really something that has sparked up a lot of interest with companies because of the fact that, you know, a lot of companies don't have they've cut back a lot of their marketing. Write the traditional marketing, just because of the budgets. You know, I mean, everybody's trying to make sure that they're keeping so we're trying to produce a product that's very not too costly, but it gets the attention of what they're trying to do, get their marketing plan together out there and just be able to expose and put that idea out with the drone ad. But I think the biggest one actually has to be the surveys and the 3D mapping and construction, because construction right now is actually in full force. You said a key word earlier, grant, and actually one of the things that we use the strategic so warm is actually a strategic point for the United States as a whole, not only for the military, but being the most for this West Western point and the closest point to Asia as well. So it's very strategic. There's a lot of construction going on out here. So we're definitely poised to be able to kind of tap into that market as well on the construction side, because that's really something that's really going on. And and bringing that technology is really going to be a game changer as well. But and then honestly, the Valkyrie box, it's I want to I really want to use that as a means to be able to let the government understand that everybody should have the means to receive any type of product, whether it's medicine, toiletries, and they don't have to live in the central part of the island or they don't have to technically live in a house. Do we still have homes that have tin tin roof homes out here and may not have an address? So I really want to be able my vision is for everybody to have access for these type of delivery. So I really I'm really going to focus on trying to see how we can further develop the implementation of the vallerie boxes out here, because I think people will see and understand that it's an easier way for folks to be able to receive products where they don't have to drive or go to the post office or some folks may not have the means to be able to drive as well. So that's my focus. I want I want to be able to share that technology with everybody. And everybody have access to this type of service. And Ryan Walsh, actually, he's been on the program a couple of times, the other side of it, the receptacle of the being able to receive the package is not something most people in the industry had thought about. So I always thought that that was a really good move to focus on that side of the delivery, because as we've seen, I mean, this has just been a great 20, 2020 was a great year for drone deliveries. I also want to point out last week on the program, I guess, was professor Michelle Hanlon from Ole Miss Law school. And she actually has a son who is on Guam right now working on Guam. And she has some really interesting conversations in pearla. You mentioned how you're interested in all things aviation. I was going to ask. Just terrestrial are beyond, beyond or use in space law as well, because we're seeing a lot of cool things going on right now with space, and that's only set to grow. I think we see a lot going on with the relationship between telecommunications and space. And the reason I bring that up is we're talking about long distances for aircraft to travel. And one thing that Professor hanlan and I discussed is we want to see get to a point where drones can cross oceans and we're obviously a ways away from that. But how convenient would that be to be able to transport goods and eventually way down the road, people from the Pacific coast to Guam without having to incur the emissions issues or and the other costs associated with traditional aircraft? But anyway, I just thought that was interesting. And I keep going back to the space thing. I think maybe subconsciously I've sparked some interest in myself and looking at space just because I think it's interesting. But but is that something you've ever thought about, pearl? I mean, what I remember as a little girl, I had this I went well as a little girl and in my adulthood, I always had these different types of telescopes. It's like something I always and I think I have like a few different types, like the ladies of whatever I could afford. And yeah, you know, I've always enjoyed star gazing and wondering what goes on up there. And I used to I used to really read a lot of clips on, you know, all the crazy things that could be happening. And eventually some I mean, when you're a little girl or when you're a little kid, you think I'm going to be in space someday. You may. You may. I mean, we're all doing a lot of things today that we probably never thought we would. And I remember watching the Jetsons when I was young and thinking how far off that is the notion of these vehicles flying through the sky. But I mean, we're not too terribly far off anymore. And it's crazy to think. Now, don, I wanted to ask you, because I know you're part one of seven pilot Pat. How have the recent major regulatory developments, I guess they wouldn't necessarily have affected you yet because they've not become by themselves affected yet. There's an effective date. You have to wait for the rule to be published. And then there's a 60 day waiting period and then there's some additional lag of time before it actually becomes an effect. But what I wanted to ask is, do you anticipate being able to possibly fly over people without a waiver and being able to fly drones that utilize the mode and technology? Do you visualize do you see that affecting your operations quite a bit? Or what are your thoughts on that? Because I know this is a major development that many of us in the industry are waiting for. And it just came out a couple of weeks ago. Yeah, I think it's great for the industry. I think also for the construction industry being able to fly over people and job sites and be able to fly at night. So if we're doing roofing inspections with thermal sensors and we're flying at night, it would just streamline the process. So I think overall it's a really good thing. And I think it's just another step forward, in my opinion. Yeah and and when you read. And when you look at Guam, you know what? We're there's a couple of challenges. And that, especially with the regulations, is the fact that, for example, we have the airport that smack right in the middle of the island, which when you draw the five mile radius, it could potentially take up the good chunk of the core part of the island where. So, you know, we've been working through the getting the exceptions, getting authorizations and going through the FAA for us to get some exceptions for the rules. So I think that one of the things that we were actually just discussing was the fact that we really would like to invite the FAA to kind of, you know, Guam, especially when you mentioned going over water. And I mean I mean, this is no, this is the I mean, if you want to test anything out or kind of get a good feeling of what that would look like, Guam is a perfect test bed and we want to be able to promote that. And you see the capability we're trying to build. We're going to continue to push forward, but we really want to invite the industry to come out here and we're going to develop a program now and be more responsible on just making sure that the industry here locally understands the regulations. And we're going to just kind of create a movement for all those drone pilots that do have a license, that don't have a license or understand the regulations. And we're going to take it upon ourselves to create that movement so that we can continue to move the market forward. Invite, like you said, talking about creating jobs. It's just going to be able to develop a new industry here and here on Guam. So we invite the industry to come out to Guam, not only for flying, but interest in possibly manufacturing here locally, building technology out here. There's just a law that just got passed a few weeks back where there's a qualifying certificate that the companies that set up here on Guam can take advantage of a lot of corporate tax incentives. So a lot of great things that we've been pushing. And I think we're in a good position right now to be able to invite and bring a lot more of the industry here on here on Guam. Absolutely well, I've already decided in this conversation the next time that I report with bell rings, it will be from the island of Guam. I will be there watching you guys operate in person. And we film it. We will stream it. And it will be a classic drones in America episode. And not only is it drones in America, is drones in West America as well as you can go. Look, you absolutely can be great. Well, Charlie palembang, it was so great talking with you. You see the sun setting behind me, which I guess I mean, is this I better call it quits, but it it's been phenomenal talking to you guys. I'm really excited to see all the things you're doing, not only for the island of Guam, but also for America. And we will touch base soon. Thank you. So thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you so much. Please be sure to join us next week for the next episode of drones in America by market scale.