Drone traffic control takes off in Dallas

trevor wischnewsky, an rpIC at flytrex, is part of a new class of aviators who act as air traffic controllers for delivery drones. his job involves monitoring the delivery process from flytrex's operations center, using inputs from gps, lasers, and sensors. wischnewsky coordinates traffic with other delivery drones in the dallas area, ensuring safe passage within a three-mile radius. he requires faa certification and a weeks-long training course to handle emergency situations. at his busiest, wischnewsky oversees up to 10 drones at a time, responding to changing weather conditions and other hazards. this role is emerging as drone delivery expands, with companies like zipline, amazon, and alphabet's wing operating in the same airspace.