Photo credit: Adam Johnson, Brockit Inc.
Detroit Free Press
Sept. 7, 2024
Carol Cain
After flying C-130s in combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq and returning to teach young pilots at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Retired Maj. Kyle Sanders has launched a new chapter — encouraging young people to consider careers in aviation and aerospace, through drones.
He co-founded CrewConcept Drone Lab in 2023, which is using drones to help colleges and high schools in Michigan and other states teach young people to consider careers in aerospace and aviation.
The hands-on curriculum Sanders created includes building drones, earning a FAA license and practicing skills used on job sites, like surveying and construction inspections. The unique twist on this industry training is that students then form teams in a flying robotics competition called Drone Soccer, which resembles Quidditch from “Harry Potter.”
The Drone Soccer Academy curriculum teaches students to build, program and maintain aircraft like a real crew and is being used in classrooms in Michigan (such as Western Michigan University) and in states out West, including California and Colorado.
Sanders was in Rochester on Sept. 4, participating in the AeroOne conference, staged by the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan. Over 300 people attended, from 10 states representing 154 companies.
Michigan was once known as the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II as factories churned out bombers, Jeeps and more for the war effort. More effort is being put forth by leaders across the region and state right now to grow our defense and aerospace sector as folks I talked to and at the conference mentioned how Michigan is perfectly positioned, with its enviable engineering and advanced manufacturing might, as well as its reputation for innovation.
Though overshadowed by the auto industry, the defense and aerospace industry is still big business as it contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state, supporting more than 166,000 jobs and representing nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace and homeland security industries, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with MEDC, opened a new statewide Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation in April to market the sector. U.S. Marine Corps. Retired Col. John Gutierrez, is serving as executive director of the office.
“Michigan is all in on defense,” Whitmer said when the office was announced.
The Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation is supporting the growth of defense and aerospace jobs in Michigan while also increasing federal Department of Defense spending and industry-related R&D in the state. Additionally, it is supporting the growth in advanced aerial mobility innovation and attraction in both defense- and commercial-related applications, leveraging the work of the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification around advanced aerial mobility, according to the MEDC.
“Collaboration is the new currency of this economy and Michigan’s defense and aerospace sectors are particularly rich in this regard,” said Gutierrez. “The AeroOne summit exemplifies this wealth, bringing together aerospace OEMs, suppliers and thought leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities within this storied industry.”
Tammy Carnrike, chief operating officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber and civilian aide to the secretary of the Army Michigan, added: “In 2022, defense contract awards performed in Michigan reached $5.5 billion, ranking Michigan 22nd among states. There’s great potential to rank even higher, with tremendous opportunity for our defense and aerospace industry to compete, win and drive greater economic impact.”
Carnrike, who has been working to promote the region’s defense and aerospace industry for 20 years, is bullish about the stepped-up focus.
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist was part of a five-day trade mission to Europe in June, along with Gutierrez, where they promoted Michigan’s prowess in defense, aerospace and aviation as they talked up opportunities for global companies to consider the Great Lakes state.
As I talked to leaders about it all, one thing was obvious: There is a growing need for more people, particularly young folks, to be ready for these new jobs.
Sanders explained why he is looking to drones to entice young people into aviation and aerospace.
“It takes a big team to build, maintain and operate jets safely,” Sanders told me. “Drones are affordable and multidisciplinary, which is why we use them as a tool for career exploration in aviation manufacturing, technology and operations. Autonomy, electric propulsion and drone-enabled services will continue to drive economic growth, in addition to jobs in traditional aviation.“
“Our mission is to connect students to high-paying careers in aviation,” he said.
Jeff Simek, general manager of RCO Engineering & RCO Aerospace, is a founding board member and treasurer of the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan.
The organization purchased the drone soccer field on display at the Rochester event this past week and Simek said they are planning to use it to engage more young people in grades K-12 in underserved urban and rural areas.