Elevating Community Engagement: How My Drone License Revolutionized My Role as a PIO

Jun 17, 2023

In my role as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Summerville, I have always sought out innovative ways to communicate and disseminate information. When I obtained my drone pilot license in 2020, I didn't realize it would become an invaluable asset in enhancing my career. In this article, I will share my experiences on how utilizing drones has revolutionized my capabilities as a Public Information Officer.

The Journey to Becoming a Licensed Drone Pilot

The impact is well worth exploring, but let's take a moment to discuss how I became a drone pilot. The surge of drone technology has made me realize the potential benefits drones can bring to my job. As part of the FAA's Part 107 certification process, I completed rigorous training and passed the aeronautical knowledge test after successfully passing the tests. Click here for more details.

Augmenting Public Information with Drones

  1. Enhanced Communication: As a result of the use of drones, I have been able to capture real-time aerial footage and photographs, which have proven to be instrumental in providing the community with up-to-date, relevant, and visually engaging information.

  2. Disaster Management and Response: Drones proved to be invaluable during emergencies such as storms and flooding. The aerial view allowed for a quick assessment and efficient communication with residents about the severity and affected areas.

  3. Event Coverage: It is no secret that Summerville is known for its community events, which means that drones give residents a unique perspective when it comes to covering these events, fostering a sense of unity and community through participation.

  4. Infrastructure and Development: By using drone imagery to share updates on ongoing infrastructure projects, we have been able to keep the town's citizens informed and engaged in the town's development process.


In my role as Public Information Officer, drones have greatly improved my capabilities. However, there have been challenges as well, such as understanding and adhering to FAA regulations, ensuring privacy, and honing my piloting skills, all of which were necessary to utilize drones effectively.

Acquiring a drone license and integrating drone technology into my role as a Public Information Officer has been a transformative journey. It has not only improved the scope of information dissemination but has also fostered community involvement and cohesion. The sky is full of possibilities, and I am excited to continue soaring and serving my community.