MEET THE GRADD DRONE ADVISORY GROUP (DAG)
The GRADD Drone Advisory Group (DAG) is dedicated to ensuring that Part 107 Academy students receive the most precise and comprehensive education on FAA Part 107 rules and regulations, as well as in-depth knowledge that extends beyond basic certification.
Through weekly live webinars, members of the DAG meticulously teach course content ranging from Aeronautical charts and aviation weather to Crew Resource Management (CRM), showcasing their expertise and commitment to excellence in drone pilot training.
Reza Karamooz
Reza is an Engineer, Innovator, Futurist, an Aviation, Aerospace, and sUAS (drones) expert. He is the CEO of GRADD CO., President of Nevada Business Aviation Association (NVBAA). Reza is also the Honorary Commander of the US Air Force's 57th Wing, Nellis Air Force Base.
Reza is a Part 107 Certified Commercial Drone Pilot and has flown dozens of different sUAS since 2012. Reza is a member of the FAA’s Safety Program as a FAA Safety Team Lead (FAASTeam) Representative, "Drone Pro". FAASTeam Members are volunteers who make a conscious effort to promote aviation safety and serve the General Aviation community, helping to make our skies even safer through education.
He is the Director of STEM Education for the Reno Air Races, the President of the Air and Space Forces Association (AFA), Thunderbirds Chapter, and the Chairman of the Nevada Aviation Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) for NDOT (Nevada Dept. of Transportation) Aviation Department.
Jim Ray
Jim is a resident of Wilmington North Carolina. He is a retired Deputy Sheriff from California.
Jim worked over 30 years as a Patrol Deputy, Narcotics officer and attached to a Counter Terrorism Unit.
Jim received his Private Pilots license in the early 70' and holds a sUAS License.
Jim is a proud graduate of the GRADD Part 107 Training.
Nick Rieth
Nick lives in Denver, Colorado and holds FAA Remote Pilot (Small Unmanned Aircraft System) and Private Pilot (Airplane Single Engine Land) certificates.
He is a television Broadcast Engineer who keeps five Colorado PBS television stations and a statewide TV programming and transmission network up and running.
Nick is active as a Civil Air Patrol officer and aircrew member and works with a CAP youth and adult composite squadron based in Highlands Ranch, Colorado.
Nick is a University of Florida Gator and successfully graduated from the GRADD Part 107 training program in June, 2022. Nick was the Kahoot Competition Winner for the May-June 2022 Class. Nick achieved a 92% score on the FAA Part 107 Exam.
He enjoys boating, camping and flying drones in the great Colorado outdoors with his lovely wife and is the proud father of a son who works in Computer Security and a daughter working towards a degree in Global Security and Intelligence at Embry Riddle University.
Jim is a member of the FAA’s Safety Program as a FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Representative, "Drone Pro". FAASTeam Members are volunteers who make a conscious effort to promote aviation safety and serve the General Aviation community, helping to make our skies even safer through education.
Mike "Boomer" Boom
Mike Boom is a Texas resident located about halfway between Houston and San Antonio.
Mike retired from the aviation industry after 34 years, holding many FAA certificates and ratings.
Mike has earned his Flight Engineer license, Ground Instructor, Advanced Ground Instructor, and his Instrument Ground Instructor Licenses. He holds his Airline Transport License AMEL and his Commercial Pilot ASEL License.
He is a Flight Instructor, including Instrument Flight Instructor and Multi Engine Flight Instructor. Mike is type rated in all the B-737, the B-757, B-767, B-777as well as the BE-300 and the BE-1900.
In "retirement", Mike is active on his cattle ranch while performing in the position of Fire Chief for the local fire department.
Mike is a graduate of the University of Texas and enjoys traveling and new adventures globally. Drone flying is a passion for Mike, who is a graduate of the GRADD Part 107 Training Program. He earned a 97% score on the FAA Part 107 Certification Exam.
Mike is a member of the FAA’s Safety Program as a FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) Representative, "Drone Pro". FAASTeam Members are volunteers who make a conscious effort to promote aviation safety and serve the General Aviation community, helping to make our skies even safer through education.