Why Oklahoma May Be the Next Proving Grounds for Drones

Grant Guillot advises companies that provide drone/unmanned aircraft system (UAS) services, as well as companies operating in industries that are increasingly using drones, such as construction, energy/oil and gas, forestry and agriculture, public safety, telecommunications, and transportation and logistics. He regularly represents clients in contractual matters between UAS companies and businesses seeking to retain UAS operators. Grant assists commercial drone users with the concurrent navigation of federal, state, and local UAS regulations. He works with companies seeking type certification, Part 135 certification, waivers, exemptions, and other authorizations from the Federal Aviation Administration. He also advocates on behalf of businesses and trade associations before legislative and executive decision-makers at the state and local levels to promote a favorable and effective regulatory environment for UAS operations. In addition, Grant assists businesses with crafting and implementing strategies to achieve maximum cost efficiency and risk reduction through the use of UAS. Considered a thought leader by drone service providers and end-user entities, Grant has been featured on Fox Business and Fox News to discuss the opportunities and challenges arising from the exponential adaptation of drones worldwide. His articles have been published in numerous legal and trade publications, and he regularly serves as a speaker or moderator at industry events. Grant is also the host of “Drones in America”, a weekly video podcast produced by MarketScale that includes industry leaders, influencers, and experts who explore the rapidly growing commercial drone industry in the U.S. and examine the complex web of technology, policy, and other topics, such as expanding the involvement of women and minorities in the industry. With an audience of up to 2,000 viewers per episode, featured guests have included top-ranking officials from the Federal Aviation Administration and Congress as well as chief executives from leading companies in the industry.

James Grimsley, of Calera, was appointed as District 2 Commissioner in May 2019 by the Speaker of the House. He represents nine counties in southeastern Oklahoma. Grimsley is the Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Grimsley is also a founder of successful technology company startups and is a former associate vice president for research at the University of Oklahoma, Norman Campus. He was founding director of the OU Center for Applied Research and Development. He was appointed by Gov. Mary Fallin to the Governor’s UAS Advisory Council from 2011 through 2015 and by the Federal Aviation Administration to the agency’s Drone Advisory Committee-Subcommittee. Grimsley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma.