Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
References
FLIGHT RECORD
Timeline
Generic
KARTHIK J S

KARTHIK J S

Bangalore

Summary

Dynamic UAV Test Pilot with proven leadership at Skytex Unmanned Aerial Solutions, excelling in flight operations and data analysis. Spearheaded successful test planning and safety management, enhancing UAV performance. Adept at troubleshooting technical issues and fostering team collaboration, driving project success through effective resource management and strategic oversight. Attentive Pilot with several years of flight experience. Exceptional safety skills to maintain 100% safe flight record. Proven to make critical decisions under pressure.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead UAV Test Pilot

Skytex Unmanned Aerial Solutions Pvt Ltd
07.2024 - Current
  • Team Leadership: Overseeing a team of test pilots and engineers, providing guidance and support to ensure effective collaboration and communication.
  • Test Planning and Coordination: Developing detailed test plans that outline objectives, methodologies, and timelines for UAV flight tests. Coordinating with various departments to ensure resources are available.
  • Safety Management: Implementing and enforcing safety protocols during flight tests to mitigate risks. Conducting safety briefings and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyzing flight data to evaluate UAV performance and reliability. Preparing comprehensive reports on test results and making recommendations for improvements.
  • Training and Development: Providing training for new test pilots and other team members, ensuring they are proficient in operational procedures and safety protocols.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Acting as the primary point of contact between the test team and other stakeholders, such as project managers, engineers, and regulatory bodies. Communicating progress and addressing any concerns.
  • Problem-Solving: Identifying and addressing technical issues that arise during flight tests. Leading troubleshooting efforts and working closely with engineering teams to implement solutions.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that all flight operations comply with aviation regulations and standards set by relevant authorities.
  • Resource Management: Overseeing the allocation of resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget, to ensure efficient and effective testing processes.

UAV Consulting - Freelance
08.2023 - 06.2024
  • Provided support and liaised with organisations working on UAV integration and flight testing.
  • Evaluating client requirements and objectives for UAV applications, whether for data collection, inspections, or monitoring.
  • Recommending appropriate UAV hardware and software solutions based on client needs and industry standards.
  • Flight Planning Support: Assisting in the development of flight plans, including risk assessments and safety protocols.

Senior Executive, Flight Testing

Tata Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd
06.2016 - 08.2023
  • Integrated electrical systems in aircraft, ensuring adherence to design and process documentation.
  • Managed aircraft servicing and supported internal flight testing and demonstrations.
  • Conducted meticulous handling of UAVs during integration and testing phases.
  • Key Projects:
  • 1. Mining Survey
  • Description: Surveyed approx. 40 sq. km for volume analysis with mining engineers.
  • Location: West Bokaro, Jharkhand | Client: TATA Steel
  • Flying Hours: 50+ | Model Types: Fixed Wing, DJI Phantom
  • 2. Surveillance for CRPF
  • Description: Demonstrated UAV capabilities for monitoring critical areas.
  • Location: Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh | Client: CRPF
  • Flying Hours: 8+ | Model Types: Fixed Wing, VTOL
  • 3. Customer Training and Knowledge Transfer
  • Description: Trained 15 CRPF commandos on flight planning and UAV handling.
  • Location: Bangalore, Karnataka | Client: CRPF
  • Flying Hours: 10+ | Model Type: Fixed Wing
  • 4. Mini UAV Demo
  • Description: Demonstrated system capabilities under extreme weather conditions.
  • Location: Nyoma (Leh), Shimla, Ganganagar, Rajasthan | Client: Indian Army
  • Flying Hours: 50+ | Model Type: Fixed Wing
  • 5. Surveillance for Indian Army
  • Description: Enabled border surveillance using UAV technology.
  • Location: Kargil, Leh | Client: Indian Army
  • Flying Hours: 5+ | Model Type: Fixed Wing
  • 6. Mobile Ground Control Station (GCS)
  • Description: Demonstrated mobile GCS capabilities from armed vehicles.
  • Location: Pune, Maharashtra | Client: TATA Motors
  • Flying Hours: 4+ | Model Type: VTOL
  • 7. Loitering Munitions
  • Description: Conducted internal testing and R&D.
  • Location: Bangalore
  • Flying Hours: 15+ | Model Type: VTOL

UAV Consultant

Tata Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd
Bengalore
04.2014 - 05.2016
  • Advised clients on UAV system selection and integration tailored to specific industry applications and operational needs.
  • Analyzed UAV flight data to assess performance metrics and provided actionable recommendations for system improvements.
  • Conducted electrical integration and harness fabrication for UAVs.
  • Collaborated with "Sky Met" to acquire crop health data for financial institutions, covering 50+ acres across Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Aero Modeling Instructor

Young Innovators
Bengalore
04.2013 - 09.2014
  • Developed and delivered comprehensive aero modeling workshops to enhance students' understanding of UAV principles and flight mechanics.
  • Collaborated with school faculty to integrate aero modeling activities into the existing STEM curriculum effectively.
  • Organized and managed inter-school aero modeling competitions to motivate students and identify potential talent in UAV operations.

Education

Rural Institute of Open Schooling
PCMC, Chhattisgarh
01.2017

Skills

  • Software expertise in AutoCAD
  • UAV flight operations and testing
  • Planning and executing tests
  • Data analysis techniques
  • Leadership in team settings
  • Management of resources
  • Flight mission planning
  • Troubleshooting technical issues
  • Project oversight and management
  • Integration of UAV systems

Certification

  • Six Sigma Green Belt Training
  • Diploma in Operations Management
  • Fly Drones Like a Pro

Languages

English (Fluent), Kannada (Native), Hindi (Fluent), Tamil (Intermediate), Telugu (Fluent)

References

Available upon request

FLIGHT RECORD

  • Fixed Wing UAV (3m Wing Span): 100+ hrs.
  • Fixed Wing UAV (2m Wing Span): 100+ hrs.
  • Fixed Wing Survey (2m Wing Span): 850 sq. km approx.
  • VTOL: 60+ hrs.
  • Multi Rotor (DJI/Internal Quad): 60 sq. km approx.
  • Total Flights: 2550+ flights, including internal tests and R&D

Timeline

Lead UAV Test Pilot

Skytex Unmanned Aerial Solutions Pvt Ltd
07.2024 - Current

UAV Consulting - Freelance
08.2023 - 06.2024

Senior Executive, Flight Testing

Tata Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd
06.2016 - 08.2023

UAV Consultant

Tata Advanced Systems Pvt Ltd
04.2014 - 05.2016

Aero Modeling Instructor

Young Innovators
04.2013 - 09.2014

Rural Institute of Open Schooling

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