The aviation industry has long been catching up with the internet age, especially with the recent development of UTM and drones’ cloud-based connectivity, and the succession of Wheeler to the board will further advance the drone industry’s growth and development through open, interconnected technology and regulatory systems, hopes the company.

"Tom’s experience in fostering economic growth and societal benefits through technology innovations, public-private partnerships, and open-market regulations will be a great resource for our industry as it develops and matures,” said AirMap Co-Founder and Chairman Ben Marcus. “Reliable and secured wireless networks are critical enablers to scale UAS operations. Tom’s expertise in these domains will benefit AirMap as it continues to expand its product offering.”

Prior to his FCC appointment, Wheeler had a long career in the cable and wireless industry, including positions as the President of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association and CEO of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association. Wheeler has been inducted into both the Wireless Hall of Fame and the Cable Television Hall of Fame – the only person to be recognised by both organisations.

“I am honoured to join the AirMap team,” Wheeler said. “The opening of the low-altitude airspace to high-scale flight operations offers so many new opportunities for both citizens and companies. How governments integrate these new airspace entrants with their public interest responsibility will be an important new chapter in the relationship between innovative technologies and public policy. Having spent my professional life at the intersection of new technology and policy, I am excited to be a part of this new challenge.”

Wheeler joins Marcus and CEO David Hose, as well as Lux Capital Partner Bilal Zuberi and General Catalyst Partners Principal Katherine Boyle, on the AirMap Board of Directors.