About Us
Our Mission:
"To inspire communities, To Embrace Drones and New Technologies, Enhance Safety and Enrich Lives at Work, Home, and Play.
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Our Vision:
To Empower Communities with Knowledge, Skill, Responsible Innovation, and make Technology Accessible for a Safer, more Advanced World.”
Origin Story of Connecting Skies
In 2021, while patrolling as a Campus Security Officer and Instructor, I spotted a rugged Pelican-style case beside a dumpster—typically used for protecting valuable equipment. Curiosity led me to open it, revealing a DJI Phantom 2 drone without its camera. Intrigued, I took it home, downloaded the manual, and, after charging it, realized it still worked. Nervously, I began practicing, making careful, slow movements to avoid crashing. Day by day, I gained confidence and skill with this incredible technology.
Soon after, a coworker introduced me to the FAA Part 107 certification for commercial drone pilots. With months of studying, alongside my full-time job, I finally passed the exam. This achievement opened new possibilities, and I offered my skills to our campus Marketing department, allowing them to capture aerial footage and focus on their other tasks. The campus was soon buzzing with excitement over drone technology.
Eager to make a broader impact, I reached out to a former police department colleague to learn about their drone program and began training with the police and fire departments. Later, I discovered the FAA Safety Team and became a representative after attending the first-ever public safety drone conference. My journey into community-oriented drone education had truly begun, leading me to launch my first event, aptly named Connecting Skies—a mission to inspire safe, responsible drone use for work, education, and play.
Michael Thompson -
Founder and CEO of Connecting Skies, has dedicated his entire adult life to safety and community service.
With over 20 years of public safety experience, including roles in the U.S. Navy, Law Enforcement, and as a Campus Security Instructor, Michael embodies an unwavering commitment to protecting and empowering others. His journey into drone technology began serendipitously in 2021 when he discovered a DJI Phantom 2 drone and taught himself to fly. This sparked a passion for drones and led him to earn his FAA Part 107 certification and become an FAA Safety Team Lead Representative.
Michael’s expertise combines a deep understanding of safety protocols with innovative technology, allowing him to train and validate drone pilots to the highest standards. Under his leadership, Connecting Skies aims to inspire communities to embrace technology responsibly, enhancing safety and Enriched Lives. Michael’s vision for Connecting Skies is to set a benchmark in the drone industry where pilots trained through his programs are recognized for their skill and unmatched commitment to safety.
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