Flight Operations

Our Mission

We provide up-to-date training and certification for safe and legal UAS operations, support campus units with compliance and risk mitigation, advise leadership on UAS-related risks, and recommend policy updates to the UAS Advisory Committee. Our role includes evaluating aircraft airworthiness, assisting with mission planning, and coordinating with regulatory agencies like the FAA, all while offering an unbiased perspective on UAS safety and regulations.

Connect with Flight Operations

For general inquiries, feel free to email our department:

dps_flightops@colorado.edu

Meet The Team

Dan Hesselius

Dan has been the Director of Flight Operations since 2016. He is a native of Boulder and has been flying radio control aircraft (drones) since he was 8 years old, winning 5 US national championships. He is an Airline Transport Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, and former Air Force pilot with experience in flight test and has served in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanastan. He has also worked with the NTSB on numerous accident investigations. Dan enjoys teaching new UAS pilots the many ways drones can open up new possibilities in their studies, research, and work here at CU Boulder.

Contact: directorofflightoperations@colorado.edu

John "JD" Hales

JD is the UAS Instructor and Engineer for Flight Operations. JD holds a Bachelor of Science in Unmanned Aerial Systems and Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University. JD has a diverse professional background, having worked as an Aircraft Dispatcher for Mesa Airlines, a UAS pilot at a UAS services company Soaring Eagle Technologies, and most recently as a UAS Instructor at DroneUp, a drone delivery company that was previously contracted with Walmart.

Contact: john.hales@colorado.edu 

Alex Rudick

Alex began his journey with Flight Operations in the spring of 2024. He is now a senior Aerospace Engineering student. Alex is adventurous and loves to spend time outside skiing, swimming, and of course, flying UAS. Alex aspires to start his own business and/or become a test pilot. Whether capturing breathtaking aerial footage or delving into cutting-edge research, Alex believes UAS have the potential to change the world!

Contact: alex.rudick@colorado.edu

Jonathan Perez

Jonathan joined the Flight Operations team in spring 2026. He is currently attending the University of Colorado Boulder as a mechanical engineering student. Jonathan is a former Army UAS Pilot with real-world flight experience. He became a UAS instructor while serving and is applying his experience to the Flight Operations Team. Jonathan has a deep passion for UAS and would like to see everyone else enjoy flying too. Jonathan believes UAS have the potential to improve the quality of life and offers a glimpse into the future.

Contact:jonathan.perez@colorado.edu