About Chad Swan and UAV Consulting Services

After a multi-decade career in the military as a Marine Aviator and Flight Instructor, it became clear that unmanned aerial operations were the future. I quickly saw that Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) were going to change the way governments, militaries and businesses operated forever. Because I saw which way the winds of change were blowing, In 2008, I founded UAV Consulting Group. I wanted to use my years of firsthand UAS knowledge with agencies and corporations to help transform their organizations through the unlimited potential UAV technologies have in the civil and commercial spheres. 

UAV Consulting Group is based out of Pensacola, FL and provides insider knowledge and consultation for organizations considering the use of UAS or other aviation programs. I take tremendous pride in being an innovator and a problem-solver. Whether you are looking to evaluate and improve upon your existing UAS programs or you are looking to transform your organization through the implementation of UAV technologies, we can help. Our years of experience and proven results in the military and civilian sectors will provide you with professional, timely and effective solutions for all of your UAS needs. UAV Consulting Group is here to provide solutions for every aspect of integrating UASs into your operation, from technical consultation to navigating government and regulatory regimes. We will help you from conception, through licensing, through implementation, and even continued evaluation. 

UAV Consulting Group is based on decades of firsthand knowledge in the application of UAS to a wide array of military, civil and commercial uses. My background as a Marine Aviator put me on the ground floor of the development and use of UAS for our nation’s armed services. I was the first ever Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Naval and Marine UAV Training Squadron. I was responsible for moving the unit from Ft Huachuca, AZ as part of a joint training unit to Training Wing Six at Naval Air Station Whiting Field in Florida. It was here where we trained all Navy and Marine Corps Pioneer operators and maintainers. My responsibilities were immense and gave me invaluable knowledge in every aspect of implementing and maintaining UASs, as well as training. 

I was personally responsible for the health, safety and wellbeing of Staff/Student Marines, Sailors and over nearly 30 civilian contractors. Under my supervision, we converted the unit from a NATTC Det to a CNATRA Training Squadron under Training Wing 6. Additionally, I authored the first ever Flight Training Instructions (FTI), Maneuver Description Guides (MDG), and approved training syllabi. At the same time, I was responsible for training External Pilots, Internal Pilots, Mission Commanders, Instructors, Mechanics and Technicians. I was also trusted with the role of being a member of the Joint UAS Committee to define classification of the sizes of UASs, and assist in the development and testing of the Predator UAV. UAS are a critical component of our armed forces and I helped build the infrastructure and training to make that a reality instead of a mere dream. 

UAV Consulting Group is successful because of my extensive military experience with UASs. However, what makes me an asset to agencies, municipalities, and businesses is my considerable education and experience in the business world. To help hone my skills and their application to a variety of businesses, I earned a BS in Management Sciences and a MS in Management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. I also worked toward a MBA in International Business Development from the University of Iowa. The combination of my extensive schooling and my real world professional experience, makes me a tremendous asset to other business owners. This led me to founding Creative Development Solutions, a business dedicated to helping others with problem solving and logistics. 

I understand the needs and demands of business owners because I am one. The commercial environment is very different from the military. While we might use similar UAV technologies, the goals, processes and structures are worlds apart. Businesses and municipalities do not have unlimited budgets and need to keep a close eye on the bottom line. When it comes to overhauling systems and processes, the devil is always in the details. It’s my life mission to handle the details that matter most, as well as the ones you do not even realize matter. Allow me to use my diligence and relentless problem solving to ensure that implementation of a UAS into your organization or upgrading your current system happens seamlessly. I believe in the power and potential of UAS in the civilian and commercial sectors and I am excited to help transform your organization with them, as well.