Mark Baker, president and CEO of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, has been appointed to another two-year term on the FAA’s Drone Advisory Committee. He is a founding member of the group that was established in 2016.

AOPA, in a statement announcing Baker’s appointment, explains the Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) helps the FAA “create a broad strategy for the safe integration of” unmanned aircraft systems.

“As our nation’s airspaces get busier, it’s imperative that we have smart and coordinated integration that meets the needs of all aviators,” said Baker.

AOPA states it is now the lone voice representing general aviation owners and pilots on the panel that helps the FAA strategize drone integration. The updated DAC roster of members includes Baker and fellow AOPA member Houston Mills, who is VP of flight operations and safety at UPS Inc.

The DAC is chartered to have up to 35 members and the FAA’s Jan. 5 announcement will fill 12 vacancies. The new members listed below will serve a two-year term and join DAC Chairman, Michael Chasen, Chairman of the Advisory Board for PrecisionHawk USA:

– Seleta Reynolds, General Manager, Los Angeles Department of Transportation
– Dr. Paul Hsu, Founder and Chair, HSU Foundation
– Matt Parker, President, Precision Integrated Programs
– Molly Wilkinson, VP, Regulatory Affairs, American Airlines
– Brad Hayden, Founder and CEO, Robotic Skies
– David Carbon, VP and GM, Amazon Prime Air
– Adam Bry, Co-founder and CEO, Skydio
– Kenji Sugahara, President and CEO, Drone Service Providers Alliance
– Brandon Torres Declet, CEO and Co-Founder, MEASURE
– Dr. Jaiwon Shin, Executive VP, Head of UAM Division and CEO, Genesis Air Mobility
– Dr. Catherine Cahill, Director, Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration
– Vic Moss, Owner, Moss Photography

Mark Baker, president and CEO, AOPA. (Photo: AOPA)