DreamFlight’s OpenSkies Flight Club is focusing on drone technology and operations for Spring 2026, featuring a unique lineup of guest speakers and activities. February is no exception, and we’re excited to discover how UAS operations are being used to creatively impact aspects of national defense.
Meet Our Guest Speaker:Curt "NERD" Wilson
Curt is a distinguished defense executive and combat-experienced test pilot serving as Senior Director of Strategy at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) where he leads long-term strategy for advanced unmanned systems including the MQ-9 Reaper, MQ-20 Avenger, and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
A Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard with over 2,300 flight hours as an MQ-9 Flight Evaluator and pilot, he has held key roles such as Air Force Research Laboratory Engineer, Chief of Weapons and test pilot for MQ-9, and staff officer at the Pentagon and National Guard Bureau.
Holding a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University and dual M.S. degrees in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he is a certified program manager, published author on advanced military aviation concepts, and the founder/owner of C2K Aviation LLC.
A dedicated Kentucky community leader, he serves on the Kentucky AERO Act Advisory Committee to advance aerospace workforce development, manufacturing, and economic initiatives, while balancing his commitments as a husband and father of three sons.
C2K Aviation
C2K Aviation LLC is a holding company focusing on innovative aircraft financing solutions for general and commercial aviation. The company specializes in lease and financing options tailored for aircraft owners, flight schools, and charter operations, with a nationwide vision to redefine how individuals and training organizations acquire and manage aircraft.
C2K has partnered with Wings Flight Training to provide Light Sport Aircraft at all of their training locations. Looking ahead, C2K is ambitiously exploring expansion into aircraft import facilitation and opportunities in Kentucky-based aircraft manufacturing, leveraging the Commonwealth’s booming aerospace sector.
Insights on the Future of Aviation& Drone Technology
In preparing for this month’s club meeting, Curt had the following outlook regarding drone use in the larger aviation industry:
- Unmanned Aviation is coming in all forms: FAA Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Part 108 rules open the door to routine operations below 400 feet AGL, which will be signed this year!
- Commercial Air Carriers are looking at autonomous options but the trust required is decades out; you’ll see the first autonomous heavy aircraft in Air Cargo and they will still have a safety pilot.
- eVTOL and Air-Taxi will become more prevalent (especially after Part 108 passes) for the daring early adopters, could potentially accelerate larger air carrier adoption if there are no accidents…or greatly damage public perceptions when they start crashing.
- Part 107/108 rules will drive a boom in the UAS industry, Package Delivery/Logistics, Agriculture, Surveying, Infrastructure/Inspection, Emergency Response
- Commercial Pilots are secure for another 20 years and air travel growth paired with a bow-wave of airline pilot retirements is about to create huge pilot shortages.
- AI is real in military aviation applications, but not how you think, Autonomous behaviours are meant to augment and mimic humans for predictability.
- Military UAS applications are increasingly driving to low cost solutions and ‘swarm’ technology; primarily driven by lessons learned in Ukraine
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to hear from an industry professional and discover more of Kentucky’s vast and growing aviation industry. Learn more about OpenSkies Flight Club, membership, meeting dates, and more today!