My name is Darin Fragoza of Sonoma CA, from a young age around 5 years old I looked up and saw a Good Year blimp flying overhead. That was in 1967 and I never looked back. I then developed an interest in building plastic airplanes at the age of 6 from one of my moms friends son named Tetty, who was an avid model-ship builder. In 1975 I discovered Radio Control model aviation while I was at my fathers softball game. I walked about a half-mile down to a field where I then saw airplanes flying around which really interested me. I turned 14 a year later and after working all summer in a job youth program, I purchased my first Cox radio control airplane. Forty years later I am still enjoying this fascinating hobby. I served 3 years in the Army right out of high school and trained as a short range air defense missile system technician. I got my Airframe & Power Plant license from Spartan school of Aeronautics in 1991 and my Pilot License from my late instructor John Carmichael in 1994 whom was an outstanding instructor. I was then hired by another outstanding Aviation Maintenance Technician, Jim Proft, who took me under his wing. I then proceeded to work in the Aviation field for 17 years as a Maintenance Technician functioning on Cessna 150's, the North American T-28's and a Knat two-place jet. I finished my career with Aero Crafters of Santa Rosa, CA who specialized in WarBird restorations. In 2006 I began FPV (first-person view) flying when I discovered that vrflyer had published his ‘Bromont Royal Golf Club‘ video on YouTube. This was a major child hood dream however the technology was not available at the time. Being interested in FPV, I installed a camera in my model aircraft and found goggles I could hack to use for my virtual reality flying. When I first started FPV recordings I used the screen name FutureVRPilot and little did I know, that was the spark that revolutionized what is now known as FutureUSAviation. This is 2006, back when less then 500 people in the world were flying virtually due to the lack of equipment. In the last 6 years, I have been flying Quad-copters and testing them in the fields with Ground Control software such as Mission Planner. I decided to start this business to work with people and prove this new technology could benefit us in a safer manner. More recently in July of 2016, I was issued my FCC Technician license and my UAS Remote Pilot License in Sept. 2016 after the FAA granted us the opportunity to explore this new ind-ever. I am currently working for the City of S.F. as a Stationary Engineer with the PUC clean water dept. My wife has been by my side for 35 years and has supported me through this long journey.
Jeff Cortner is an assistent Drone operator / Spotter and long time friend who is a Master Automotive Technician, with 25+ years experience. He likes anything mechanical and enjoyes flying his Quadcopters over the last 4 years. He has his FCC Technician license and is currently working on his UAS Part 107 license.
FutureUSAviation.com