Detroit City Wire

After flying C-130s in combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq and returning to teach young pilots at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Retired Maj. Kyle Sanders has launched a new chapter — encouraging young people to consider careers in aviation and aerospace through drones.

He co-founded CrewConcept Drone Lab in 2023, which is using drones to help colleges and high schools in Michigan and other states teach young people to consider careers in aerospace and aviation.

The hands-on curriculum Sanders created includes building drones, earning an FAA license, and practicing skills used on job sites like surveying and construction inspections. The unique twist on this industry training is that students then form teams in a flying robotics competition called Drone Soccer, which resembles Quidditch from “Harry Potter.”

The Drone Soccer Academy curriculum teaches students to build, program, and maintain aircraft like a real crew. It is being used in classrooms in Michigan (such as Western Michigan University) and in states out West, including California and Colorado.

Sanders was in Rochester on Sept. 4, participating in the AeroOne conference staged by the Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan. Over 300 people attended from 10 states representing 154 companies.

Michigan was once known as the Arsenal of Democracy during World War II as factories churned out bombers, Jeeps, and more for the war effort. More effort is being put forth by leaders across the region and state right now to grow the defense and aerospace sector. Conference attendees mentioned how Michigan is perfectly positioned with its engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities as well as its reputation for innovation.

Though overshadowed by the auto industry, the defense and aerospace industry contributes $30 billion in economic activity for the state, supporting more than 166,000 jobs and representing nearly 4,000 Michigan businesses serving the defense, defense aerospace, and homeland security industries according to the Michigan Economic Development Corp.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with MEDC, opened a new statewide Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation in April to market the sector. U.S. Marine Corps Retired Col. John Gutierrez serves as executive director of the office.

“Michigan is all-in on defense,” Whitmer said when announcing the office.

The Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation supports growth of defense and aerospace jobs while increasing federal Department of Defense spending and industry-related R&D within Michigan. Additionally, it promotes growth in advanced aerial mobility innovation leveraging work done by the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification around advanced aerial mobility according to MEDC.

“Collaboration is the new currency of this economy,” said Gutierrez. “The AeroOne summit exemplifies this wealth bringing together aerospace OEMs suppliers thought leaders to discuss challenges opportunities within this storied industry.”

Tammy Carnrike chief operating officer of Detroit Regional Chamber civilian aide secretary Army Michigan added: “In 2022 defense contract awards performed reached $5.5 billion ranking Michigan 22nd among states great potential rank higher tremendous opportunity our defense aerospace industry compete win drive greater economic impact.”

Carnrike who has been promoting region’s defense aerospace industry for 20 years bullish stepped-up focus.

Michigan Lt Gov Garlin Gilchrist part five-day trade mission Europe June along Gutierrez promoted Michigan’s prowess defense aerospace aviation opportunities global companies Great Lakes state.

As I talked leaders one thing obvious growing need more people particularly young folks ready new jobs

Sanders explained why looking drones entice young people into aviation aerospace

“It takes big team build maintain operate jets safely” Sanders told me “Drones affordable multidisciplinary we use them tool career exploration aviation manufacturing technology operations Autonomy electric propulsion drone-enabled services continue drive economic growth addition jobs traditional aviation”

“Our mission connect students high-paying careers aviation” he said

Jeff Simek general manager RCO Engineering & RCO Aerospace founding board member treasurer Aerospace Industry Association of Michigan

organization purchased drone soccer field display Rochester event past week Simek planning engage more young people grades K-12 underserved urban rural areas

As just one example growing need Simek mentioned proliferation commercial jets

“Right now we have 27 000 commercial jets service will need another 50 000 jets next 20 years” he said “There’s going big need people can build maintain those aircraft Why not do more that kind work have people trained Michigan?”