AUVSI 2024 LogoV2
Search
Close this search box.
AUVSI 2024 LogoV2

Welcome to the

AUVSI Empire State Chapter

part of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International

ABOUT YOUR AUVSI Empire State

Your Collaboration Partner

Being part of the AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International) Empire State Chapter offers numerous benefits and opportunities for professionals, enthusiasts, and organizations involved in the unmanned systems and robotics community in New York State. 

The chapter serves as a hub for networking, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers. Membership provides access to the latest industry developments, regulatory updates, and technological advancements. It also opens doors to exclusive events, workshops, and conferences that focus on the future of unmanned systems across various sectors, including aerial drones, ground robotics, and maritime systems.

Furthermore, the AUVSI Empire State Chapter advocates for the growth and development of the unmanned systems industry in New York, providing a collective voice on legislative and regulatory matters. Joining the chapter not only enhances professional development and business opportunities but also contributes to shaping the strategic direction of this rapidly evolving industry within the state and beyond.

Chapter Development 2023

AUVSI CHAPTER Development award 2023

In Recognition and Appreciation for Your Dedicated Service 

in Upholding AUVSIs Vision and Values

JFK AIRPORT AT NIGHT Jet taking off

jfk aIRPORT

International Aviation Hub

New York State is home to a diverse array of airports, including major commercial service airports, reliever airports, and general aviation airports, catering to a wide range of passenger, cargo, and private aviation needs. The state’s airport infrastructure supports both international and domestic travel, serving millions of passengers each year. In particular, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey oversees several of the busiest airports in the region, including John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia airports, which collectively have continued to experience record-setting passenger numbers. In July 2023, these major airports served nearly 13 million passengers, indicating the significant traffic and operational scale of New York’s aviation facilities.

Empire State Area Highlights

Griffiss International Airport

Griffiss International Airport, located in Rome, New York, serves as a cornerstone for drone testing and development in the United States, thanks to its designation as one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) seven UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Test Sites. 

This facility, through its association with NUAIR and the New York UAS Test Site, plays a pivotal role in advancing the integration of drones into the national airspace. The site offers a unique combination of airspace and infrastructure that is ideally suited for testing a wide range of UAS technologies and operations, from small drones to larger, commercial-grade UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles). 

Griffiss Airforce Base is equipped with state-of-the-art radar and surveillance technology, which allows for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) testing, a critical capability for the future of commercial drone operations. Its comprehensive testing environment supports the development of UAS traffic management systems, safety and certification processes, and innovative applications of drone technology in various industries. 

The efforts and advancements made at Griffiss are fundamental to safely integrating drones into the broader aviation ecosystem, thereby fostering innovation and economic growth both in New York State and across the nation. 
Learn More about Skydome – the Nations Largest Drone Testing Facility

griffiss international airport & drone testing site

NUAIR

(Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.)

NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a not-for-profit corporation leading the charge in New York’s efforts to establish itself as a premier location for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and urban air mobility (UAM) industries. Although primarily associated with the New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, NY, NUAIR’s influence and operations extend throughout the state, including significant activities in Rochester, New York. 

In Rochester, NUAIR collaborates with local institutions, businesses, and government entities to foster innovation, development, and integration of UAS technologies. The organization’s work in the area emphasizes the advancement of UAS safety standards, efficient airspace management, and the promotion of economic development through cutting-edge aviation technology. 

NUAIR’s initiatives in Rochester and beyond are pivotal in positioning New York State as a leader in the UAS industry, supporting research and development, and facilitating the safe integration of drones into the national airspace system. Their efforts not only contribute to the technological growth of the UAS sector but also bolster the local economy by attracting high-tech companies and skilled professionals to the region. Visit NUAIR

a MESSAGE FROM the chapter

Greetings...

Welcome to the Empire State Chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), where our mission is to build, grow, and foster a sustainable and vibrant ecosystem for uncrewed and autonomous systems. At the heart of our endeavors lies a commitment to not only advancing the industry but also ensuring it thrives through education, advocacy, and meaningful collaboration.

John Cohan at Griffiss Worlds Largest Drone Testing Facility

John g. Cohan (President)

Our journey is guided by three core activities that define our path forward:

  • Industry Education: We are dedicated to providing our community with the latest knowledge, best practices, and insights into the uncrewed and autonomous systems industry. Through workshops, seminars, and resources, we aim to empower professionals and enthusiasts alike, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate and succeed in this dynamic field.

  • Advocacy: Our advocacy efforts are focused on creating a favorable environment for the growth of uncrewed and autonomous systems. We work tirelessly to represent our community’s interests, ensuring that regulations and governance foster innovation, safety, and progress.

  • Connectivity and Collaboration: The strength of our industry lies in the connections we forge and the collaborations we nurture. Through thoughtfully curated experiences and events, we strive to bring together diverse stakeholders from across the AUVSI community and beyond. Our goal is to create opportunities for networking, partnership, and collective advancement that benefits the entire region.

HillDay Cohan Sertl 2023

John g. Cohan (President),
Jennifer Sertl (Vice-President)

As you navigate our website, we invite you to explore the rich tapestry of opportunities that AUVSI Empire State offers. Whether you are looking to deepen your industry knowledge, engage in advocacy, or connect with fellow professionals, you will find a welcoming and supportive community eager to include you in our shared vision for the future.

Together, we are shaping an exciting era for uncrewed and autonomous systems, driving innovation, and fostering a culture of collaboration that will lead our industry to new heights. We are thrilled to have you join us on this journey.

Welcome aboard, and let’s embark on this transformative adventure together.

Empire State AUVSI Leadership Team

Chapter Leadership

John G Cohan

John G. Cohan
President, Advocacy Expert,
& Drone flight instructor

Jennifer-Sertl-Empire-State-Chapter-Vice-President

Jennifer Sertl
Empire State Chapter Vice President & Upstate New York Ecosystem Champion

Scott-Harrigan-Empire-State-Chapter-Secretary

Scott Harrigan
Expire State Chapter Secretary & Drone Mapping Expert

AUVSI Xponential 2024

Get Ready!

Xponential 2024 is right around the corner.  Make your plans and join the Empire State Chapter of AUVSI at the show!  See new UAS technology, attend breakout sessions with industry leaders and network with the cutting edge companies transforming our national airspace.  See you there!

AUVSI Chapter Leaders
AUVSI Xponential 2023

Join us on
Social Media

Start a discussion, learn from our videos, & network with industry connections and fly.

Chapter Showcase
Scott Harrigan

Eyes in the Sky Want to Know: How Safe are NYC’s Jaw-Dropping High-Rises?

This article was originally published by Sebastien Roblin at Inside Unmanned Systems. In 2023, a new permitting process opened the once closed skies over New York City to commercial drone operations. This development has potentially big impacts on the Big Apple’s construction sector—foremost by facilitating mandatory but costly façade inspections of high-rise buildings for public safety.  Inside Unmanned Systems (IUS) spoke with Edward Kostakis, a major figure in NYC’s growing drone services industry to discover the past, present and future of

Read More »
LET'S FLY

To Join the
Empire State Chapter,
Join AUVSI

AUVSI membership is open to all types of uncrewed systems and robotics companies and professionals serving the industry. If you want to have access to the innovative resources that will help you gain the competitive edge in this fast-paced and continually evolving industry, then AUVSI membership is a must.

John G. Cohan
President, Advocacy Expert, & Drone Flight instructor

John G. Cohan, is the President and Senior Pilot for Dynamic Aero Drone Systems located in Long Island, NY. John has been a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Since 2000. He is a certificate holder with a sUAS Certificate of Registration for all his aircraft. John’s credentials also include being a Current Certified FAA sUAS Remote Pilot in Command (Part 107). He also is a member of the Civil Air Patrol as a sUAS Mission Pilot, sUAS Technician, Search and Rescue Officer and Emergency Services Training Officer. John is also TSA approved and completed FEMA ICS-100b, 300, 200c, 700b, 800d, & 05a Independent Study Course. John is currently the AUVSI Empire State Chapter president with contacts across the state and the nation.

Jennifer Sertl
Empire State Chapter Vice President & Upstate New York Ecosystem Champion

Strategy consultant Jennifer Sertl is an internationally recognized influencer in social media. She is president and founder of Agility3R, a leadership development company dedicated to strengthening strategic skills and helping leaders become more resilient, responsive, and reflective. She is co-author of Strategy Leadership and the Soul and Upstate Founders Playbook. Hatch A Better World named Sertl in top 100 innovative thinkers in 2013. She is an alumni of Innotribe, The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT)’s innovation think tank.

Sertl is Director of Marketing for Circle Optics.
Circle Optics, Inc. the creators of the only seamless 360 imaging system camera.

Scott Harrigan
Expire State Chapter Secretary & Drone Mapping Expert

Scott Harrigan has been providing drone training and mapping services tailored to engineers, architects, and surveyors for over 8 years. An engineer by trade and a pilot at heart, Scott founded Harkin Aerial after personally experiencing the challenge of turning complex drone data into simple maps, models, and CAD drawings.

 Scott has served as a project leader on drone Remote Sensing, LIDAR and Photogrammetry projects across the US and abroad, from topographic mapping of farms in Costa Rica, to aerial pollution monitoring in his hometown of Oyster Bay.

 Scott is passionate about training colleagues to leverage drone mapping and has taught drone, photogrammetry, and LIDAR courses for The New York Times, the US Marine Corps, the Civil Air Patrol, dozens of private engineering firms, and fellow drone pilots. When not flying, Scott enjoys traveling and seeing New York State’s natural beauty on the ground, for a change – usually on a long hike.