Mark Blanks, holding the prestigious position of Head of Global Flight Operations at Wing, oversees worldwide aviation operations.
Mark Blanks Leads the Way in Global Drone Operations at Wing
Mark Blanks, the Head of Global Flight Operations, Standards, and Regulatory Affairs at Wing, is driving the integration of drone delivery into modern infrastructure. His work at the forefront of drone services is shaping global standards for safe drone operations.
Before joining Wing, Blanks made significant contributions to the field of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) research. He managed UAS research at Virginia Tech and played a key role in the launch of the ASSURE Center of Excellence at Kansas State University [1].
Now, at Wing, Blanks is leading the charge to support national drone corridors, cross-border UTM integration, and real-time airspace coordination. He is also overseeing Wing's air carrier certification with the FAA, making Wing one of the first drone delivery firms authorized to operate as a U.S. airline [2].
Blanks' role involves ensuring Wing's delivery drones meet aviation-grade safety standards and operate seamlessly in various airspaces. This includes implementing Technical Standard Orders (TSO), minimum performance standards issued by aviation regulatory authorities like the FAA, to ensure drone components meet strict safety, quality, and design criteria [1].
Under Blanks' leadership, Wing's delivery operations are supported in the United States, Australia, Ireland, and Finland. He chairs the ASTM F38 Committee on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, where he works on setting guidelines for safety, cybersecurity, and performance [3].
Meanwhile, Jacob Stoner, the CEO of Flyeye.io, is a respected figure in the drone community. He is a licensed commercial drone operator in Canada and is passionate about the potential societal impact of drone technology advancements.
Both Blanks and Stoner emphasize the importance of safety, regulation, predictability, standardization, continuous improvement, and public trust in the development and implementation of drone technology.
To stay updated on Mark Blanks' work at Wing, follow him on LinkedIn, Wing's official website, and various drone-related channels.
[1] Wing's Head of Global Flight Operations Mark Blanks
[2] Wing Achieves Air Carrier Certification from the FAA
[3] Mark Blanks Chairs ASTM F38 Committee on Unmanned Aircraft Systems
In the realm of drone operations, Mark Blanks, the Head of Global Flight Operations, incorporates advanced technology and stringent cybersecurity measures to drive the safety and performance of his drones. His work at Wing ([1]) is not only reshaping global drone standards but also setting guidelines for safety, cybersecurity, and performance in collaboration with the ASTM F38 Committee on Unmanned Aircraft Systems ([3]).
