Ex-VP Policy of DJI, Brendan Schulman
Brendan Schulman, affectionately known as "The Drone Lawyer," has made a significant impact on the drone industry with his legal advocacy, policy development, and leadership. Over the years, he has shaped global drone policy and safety regulations in ways that advance both the safety and growth of the industry.
Schulman's career began in 2015 when he joined DJI, the world's leading drone manufacturer, to lead its global policy team. At DJI, he actively stewarded policies and technical features to protect public safety while preserving access to drone technology.
One of Schulman's key achievements was his role in shaping the U.S. Remote ID framework. Serving on FAA advisory committees, he advocated for rules that enhanced accountability without unduly restricting drone use. This pivotal role helped establish a balanced regulatory framework that supports innovation and access for both recreational and commercial users.
Schulman's influence extended beyond Remote ID. He led DJI’s introduction of geofencing, altitude limits, and automatic return-to-home features. These technical implementations addressed public safety concerns proactively and set industry safety standards that influenced global regulatory perceptions.
Early in his career, Schulman defended hobbyist and nonprofit drone operators. He famously challenged the FAA's authority to penalize these operators, helping define limits on federal overreach and reinforcing user rights. This legal battle established important protections and maintained a balance between enforcement and innovation.
During his six-year tenure at DJI, Schulman coordinated efforts between rapid technological advancements and evolving regulations. He fostered dialogue among manufacturers, regulators, and the public to promote safe and practical drone integration worldwide.
In 2021, Schulman left DJI to become VP of Policy & Government Relations at Boston Dynamics. At Boston Dynamics, he continues to advocate for fair standards and innovation in mobile automation.
Other influential figures in the drone industry include Mark Blanks, Head of Global Flight Operations at Wing, Eno Umoh, Co-founder of Global Air Drone Academy (GADA), Amit Ganjoo, Founder & CEO of ANRA Technologies, Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp, Roger Luo, President of DJI, and David Benowitz, Head of Research at DroneAnalyst.
Jacob Stoner, CEO of Flyeye.io, is a licensed commercial drone operator in Canada and a highly respected figure within his local drone community. Jacob indulges his passion for videography during his leisure time and is interested in the potential societal impact of drone technology advancements.
Schulman's vision for technology policy is rooted in transparency, user rights, and open dialogue between innovators and regulators. His influence continues to resonate in drone regulation, industry safety, and technology governance, shaping a future where drones are integrated safely and effectively into our daily lives.
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