Sessions
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) in Project Development
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Wed
Ben is diving into new territory at Aeronautics in the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology, and he’s taking ITD with him on the journey. Elkins became ITD’s UAS Coordinator in November 2020. UAS is also known by a more familiar term – drone. Elkins is developing concepts and studying appropriate systems to help ITD improve safety, efficiency and effectiveness across many different functional areas from pavement evaluations, surveying, avalanche monitoring and bridge inspections to emergency response, communications and agricultural studies. Elkins will develop the programs operational guidelines, standard operating procedures and training programs for ITD in relation to drone use. The goal is for UAS to be implemented throughout ITD’s districts, as well as the program providing guidance for other state agencies wanting to implement UAS into their business models. He also acts a pilot for the state’s fleet of fixed wing aircraft based in Boise. Prior to joining ITD, Elkins spent the majority of his career as a pilot and flight department manager for several corporations, and most recently, as a drone operator, cinematographer, director and editor for Roving Filmwork Studios. Elkins earned his Bachelor Degree in Business from Davenport University and an Associate’s Degree in Aviation Technology from Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Michigan.