Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast

Hosted by Alan Gabriel

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Pilots of the Caribbean podcast is a weekly show about drones and the people that use them for fun, research or business in the Caribbean. In each episode, we'll cover a wide range of topics, including: How to use drones for business, fun, and research. New business opportunities in the drone industry. Regulatory changes affecting drone pilots. Exciting ways to take your interest in drones to the next level. We'll also feature interviews with drone pilots from around the Caribbean, who will share their stories and insights on how they're using drones to make a difference, make money, or just have fun. Whether you're a drone pilot, a business owner, or just someone who's interested in learning more about drones, Pilots of the Caribbean is the perfect podcast for you. So tune in every week for your dose of drone news, interviews, and insights. Subscribe today and never miss an episode!

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60 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 711 hr 19 min

Coming Home With a Vision: The Story of GuyDrones with Ershad Mahamed

Ershad Mahamad walked away from a 20-year career maintaining aircraft for Caribbean Airlines and Bombardier — and came home to Guyana to build the country's first commercial drone company. What followed was five years of regulatory groundwork, ExxonMobil certifications, 12-subject training programmes, and a 31-person operation covering agriculture, oil and gas, mining, and now drone delivery.In this episode, Ershad breaks down what it actually took to get Guy Drones certified by the GCAA, the EPA, and a major oil major — all at once — and why he believes drone pilots deserve the same professional recognition as manned aircraft pilots. He also shares the company's expansion into underwater ROVs, the Unitree robot dog, and an incoming drone delivery service built around Guyana's unique geography.Tune in to discover what building a world-class drone operation in the Caribbean really looks like — from rice fields to oil rigs.Get the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

May 21, 2026Episode 701 hr 10 min

How Speedbird Aero Is Scaling Drone Delivery Across 14 Nations

Manoel Coelho has built what most drone founders only talk about: a commercially operating delivery network flying in 14 countries, powered by aircraft his company manufactures and never sells. As CEO of Speedbird Aero — Latin America's first BVLOS-certified drone operator — Manoel walks Alan through how a telemedicine startup in Arizona became the company powering the Royal Mail's first permanent UK drone service and the world's longest-running commercial food drone delivery program. We get into the full DLV aircraft lineup, the wet-lease business model, ship-to-shore cargo delivery in Singapore and Brazil, and what Part 108 could mean for drone delivery companies finally entering the US at scale. For any operator thinking about island logistics, BVLOS operations, or what commercial drone delivery actually looks like in practice — this one is essential listening. Tune in to discover how the most advanced drone delivery network in Latin America was built in a country with the world's highest interest rates.Get the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

May 7, 2026Episode 6935 min

Running the World's Largest Energy Drone & Robotics Network | Sean Guerre, EDRC

Discover how one global network is quietly shaping the future of drones, robotics, and AI across the entire energy industry — and why the Caribbean is more connected to this movement than you might think.Sean Guerre, Executive Director of the Energy Drone and Robotics Coalition (EDRC), sits down with Alan to trace the organisation's journey from a 150-person event to a global network of over 20,000 professionals and 200+ energy and utility companies. Sean unpacks what's happening right now in autonomous operations, the regulatory shifts that will affect every drone operator, and why the next decade looks very different from the last.Key topics covered:How the EDRC grew from a small meetup to the world's premier industrial drone and robotics networkThe current state of autonomous operations in oil, gas, and energy — including Level 4 automation in the field todayWhat Caribbean professionals can expect at the Energy Drone & Robotics Summit (June 22–24, Houston)Key regulatory developments — NDAA/FCC supply chain rules and FAA Part 108 — and what they mean for operatorsHow humanoids, drone-in-a-box systems, and physical AI are changing energy operations right nowGuest: Sean Guerre, Executive Director, Energy Drone and Robotics Coalition EDRC Website: edrcoalition.comGet the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

April 23, 2026Episode 6852 min

90% Less Water, 50% Less Chemicals: The Science Behind ABZ Innovation's Spray Drones

From basement beginnings in Hungary to drones flying in 25 countries — this week's episode is for anyone who believes that the future of agriculture and infrastructure is aerial, and that Europe has a seat at the table.Alan sits down with Károly Ludvigh, CEO and co-founder of ABZ Innovation, a Hungarian company that got fed up with poor-performing spray drones and simply decided to build their own. What started as a precision agriculture solution has grown into a full product ecosystem — from heavy-duty spraying drones to building-cleaning machines that can reach 200 feet without scaffolding. Károly breaks down the technology, the business model, and the regulatory battles that shaped ABZ Innovation's journey from Budapest to the global stage.Key topics covered:Controlled Droplet Application (CDA): how ABZ Innovation achieves 90% water savings and 50% chemical reduction compared to traditional sprayingThe C-Series cleaning drone — why a building-cleaning drone is outperforming expectations and replacing scaffolding worldwideThe M-Series open platform — a customisable drone ecosystem for universities, researchers, and businesses with unique payload needsRight to Repair philosophy and why it matters for operators Navigating global drone regulations Guest: Károly Ludvigh — CEO & Co-Founder, ABZ InnovationWebsite: ABZinnovation.eu | YouTube: ABZ Innovation | Instagram: @ABZdroneinnovation | LinkedIn: ABZ Innovation | TikTok: @ABZInnovation | Facebook: ABZ InnovationGet the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

April 16, 2026Episode 6750 min

Building a Drone Business with James Tobon of Drone Training School USA

Turn a toy into a career — James Tobon of Drone Training School USA breaks down exactly how that transformation happens.James Tobon started with a Christmas gift drone and turned it into one of the most recognised drone training operations in the United States. In this episode, he shares how he built Drone Training School USA from scratch, why professional certification matters more than ever, and how his school is now training government entities and private clients across the Caribbean and Latin America.Key topics covered:Why the Part 107 drone pilot licence is non-negotiable for professional work — and how James earned his before there was a clear path to do soHow Drone Training School USA tailors training for government agencies, public safety departments, and private operators across multiple platformsWhy construction — not real estate — is currently the most profitable sector for drone pilotsThe growing impact of advanced air mobility and drone delivery regulations (Part 108) on the everyday commercial pilotThe personal growth philosophy James credits as the real foundation of his business successContact James: Website: dronetrainingus.comInstagramYouTubeFacebookLinkedInVisit pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.com for show notes, links, and more episodes. Get the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

April 9, 2026Episode 6650 min

Drones, GIS & Hurricane Melissa: Building Caribbean Resilience with Dr. Valrie Grant

After Hurricane Melissa, one Jamaican organisation stepped up to coordinate 26+ drone pilots and nearly 30 international organisations in what may be the largest drone disaster response effort in history. Here's how they did it — and what they're building next.Dr. Valrie Grant, founder of Jamaica Flying Labs and Geotech Vision, joins the podcast to unpack the Hurricane Melissa drone response, the upcoming Drones, AI and GIS for Disaster Risk Management Conference in Montego Bay, and her vision for the Caribbean. From training media professionals through UNESCO to advocating for regional drone certification standards, Dr. Grant makes the case that geospatial technology is no longer a nice-to-have for Caribbean disaster management — it's fundamental. This is an essential listen for anyone working in disaster resilience, emergency management, GIS, or Caribbean tech.Where to learn more:Drones, AI and GIS for Disaster Risk Management Conference: https://flyinglabs.org/drmconference2026 Dr. Valrie Grant’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valriegrantGeotech Vision: https://www.geotechvision.com/Jamaica Flying Labs: https://flyinglabs.org/jamaicaWe Robotics: https://werobotics.org/UN-GGIM: https://ggim.un.org/Previous Episode: https://youtu.be/FgmLfr1Fki8Josiah Burkett Episode: https://youtu.be/oiJoBz3QSigCDEMA (Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency): https://www.cdema.org/Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT): https://www.hotosm.org/Mapping the Conversations Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2UQpDE3wa3O7qlqWPqbXBg?si=07a3b1e98d7646bcGet the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

April 3, 2026Episode 6510 min

March 2026 Caribbean Drone News

This is the March 2026 edition of Caribbean Drone News, your monthly roundup covering the stories shaping how drones are being used across the region. From grassroots STEM programs to international aerospace partnerships, this month's edition is packed with proof that the Caribbean is not just consuming drone technology — it is creating it.Dragonfly Drone Kids 2026 details: July 13–16, 2026 | dragonflyguyana.com | brian@dragonflyguyana.com | +592-687-2714Subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

March 26, 2026Episode 6447 min

3+ Hours 1 Charge 1 Guinness World Record. Meet SiFly's Q12

3 hours. 11 minutes. 53 seconds. One battery charge. A Guinness World Record and that's not even the most impressive part of what SiFly is building.David Mazar, Chief Strategy Officer at SiFly and 12-year Boeing veteran, joins the Pilots of the Caribbean podcast to break down exactly how the Q12 achieves what most people in the drone industry thought was impossible — and what the company is planning next (spoiler: a 200-mile range record attempt).We get into the engineering, the business model, the regulatory landscape, and the Q250 — a 550-pound max takeoff weight platform designed for cargo, agricultural spraying, and search and rescue.Get the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

March 19, 2026Episode 6333 min

22 Years Old, CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year, The First Ag Spray Drone Operator in Antigua & Michael Joseph Is Just Getting Started.

Michael Joseph started farming in Antigua in September 2019 — just weeks before Covid hit. He had no drone experience. During lockdown, he was scrolling YouTube and came across an ad for a DJI agricultural spray drone. It took him three years to save enough to buy one.In 2025, at 22 years old, he became the youngest person ever to win the CARICOM Young Farmer of the Year Award. He found out the week before the ceremony — just before his birthday. He got recognised at the supermarket, at the airport, and on a flight in Saint Kitts.His story is one of the most distinctly Caribbean drone journeys on this podcast: a solo operator running his own farm and a drone spray service for other Antiguan farmers, using 80% less chemical than a backpack sprayer, saving a papaya tree two days from being cut down with a couple of targeted spray applications, and now in discussions with US-based autonomous farming robotics companies about building a compact version of their technology scaled for small Caribbean farms.Contact Michael:LinkedInGet the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*

March 5, 2026Episode 6152 min

Started with a Drone in the Pandemic, Now He's Winning Awards - Brian Smith Returns to the Podcast

He's back. The most-viewed guest episode in Caribbean drone podcast history just got a sequel — and it's bigger than the first.Brian Smith, founder of Dragonfly Drones & Geospatial Solutions in Guyana, joins us for the first guest episode of 2026 with a year's worth of breakthroughs. Gas-powered drone deployments deep in the jungle. Advanced LiDAR training in Miami. A competitive fellowship that took him to Mexico and Colombia. A visit to Jamaica's only drone manufacturer. And a national business award to top it all off.If you want to know what building a serious drone business in the Caribbean looks like — this is the episode.🔗 Brian's first episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2204353/episodes/14453820-drones-in-guyana-conversation-with-brian-smith-of-dragonfly-drone-solutions📲 Dragonfly Drones: Website: https://www.dragonflyguyana.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragonflydronesgyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonflydronesgy/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dragonflydronesgy?lang=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dragonfly-geospatial/Get the Drone Pilot Checklist!The Pilots of the Caribbean Podcast recommends the Pilot Institute - Part 107 Made Easy course for anyone looking to prepare to sit the part 107 exam and become a licensed commercial drone operator.Website: https://pilotsofthecaribbeanpod.comEmail: pilotsofthecaribbeanpod@gmail.comAll our links: https://linktr.ee/pilotsofthecaribbeanpod* Affiliate disclaimer: some of the above links maybe affiliate links, which may generate a sales commission.*