Presidential Ponderings
Guest Speaker : Andrew Sim - Global Drone Solutions
Andrew attended John Forrest Secondary College and attended RYLA in 2024. He has been involved in RYPEN and will be facilitating at the next RYLA early 2026.
In his opening remarks, Andrew said he absolutely loved RYLA and it was probably one of the best experiences he has had across his whole life.
Development of the Drone Industry
About 30 years ago, drones were exclusively military technology, with millions of dollars invested in developing technologies like thermal and high-resolution cameras.
The smartphone's arrival in the early 2000s was a game-changer, miniaturizing essential components such as inertial measurement units, cameras, and chipsets.
This miniaturization allowed drones to become smaller, lighter, cheaper, and easier to use, opening up the concept to the commercial world.
It took about 10 years for the commercial potential to be fully realized, leading to the mass manufacturing of cheap components.
DJI, a Chinese company, emerged as the world's largest drone manufacturer, starting about 15 years ago and continuously improving the technology to make drones more stable and user-friendly.
Commercial Applications and Benefits of Drones
Drones are used in a variety of industries, including mining, agriculture (spraying), inspections (wind turbines, solar panels, buildings, pipelines), and the energy sector (oil and gas).
They enhance safety by eliminating the need to put humans in high-risk situations, such as working at heights on ropes.
Drones offer significant cost savings. A task that might cost a team of 10+ people tens of thousands of dollars can be done by one drone pilot with a reusable drone that costs about $10,000.
The adoption of drone technology is becoming a necessity for companies to remain competitive, as those who don't are being 'left in the dust'.
Regulation and Training
In Australia, the drone industry is regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), the same body that regulates crewed aircraft.
There are specific laws that must be followed when flying drones for commercial purposes.
Organizations like Global Drone Solutions are certified by CASA to provide training for remote pilot's licenses.
Training is provided to people from various industries, including mining, agriculture, inspections, and the energy sector.
Drone Cost Reduction and Market Accessibility
The cost of drones has dramatically decreased, making them accessible to a wider range of users, including smaller companies, not just the military. This shift was largely driven by Chinese companies like DJI, which can manufacture drones much more cheaply than their American or Australian counterparts. This price drop has democratized drone technology, moving it from expensive military-grade equipment to commercially available consumer products.
Regulatory Hurdles and Future Drone Technologies
A major restriction is the 'visual line of sight' rule, limiting flight distance to what the operator can see (e.g., 500 metres), which hinders long-range applications like pipeline or power line inspections.
The industry is in a constant battle with the regulator to have rules removed or to get approvals for more complex operations.
Regulators are now starting to open up more approvals and cut red tape, allowing the industry to move forward.
Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM): A system to manage unmanned traffic, crucial for the advancement of air taxis. It requires drones to see each other and be visible to crewed aircraft.
Air Taxis: Large unmanned aircraft for personal transportation. The technology exists, but regulations are the main barrier. CASA's goal is to have them operational for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Fuel Systems: Hydrogen is a promising alternative to electric batteries, offering four times the endurance at about the same weight.Heavy Lift Drones: Drones capable of carrying heavy payloads are being developed. An agricultural drone with a 100 kg payload capacity is already on the market (though restricted to 70 kg by regulations), and another is expected next year.
Data Security: An entire industry is developing to counter signal jamming and hacking of the radio links between drones and controllers.
Directors' Reports and Member Announcements
- Alison T: OffTraq has raised $38k so far. This should result in $13-14k for Global Hand (Sri Lanka Eye Camp 2026).
- Mike C: Update on Bill Boekeman, who had a medical episode at last Friday’s meeting. Bill is in Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and will soon be transferred to Osborne Park Rehabilitation Hospital. Bill is requesting no visitors at this stage.
- Kelly G: Our District Conference is at Northam next year 13-15 March. It’s Veronica’s “Flagship”, so want to give it as much support as we can. The key thing is to register so we can confirm our numbers, as it will be on us before we know it. You can find the registration on our own website, the Rotary WA Roundup website and Facebook. It will be a great conference, with good speakers, lots to do and accommodation in Northam. Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/DDQKM
- Ian K: Friday 21st November is Day 1 of the Cricket “Ashes”. The Board has made a decision to cancel the normal Club meeting here that day. Instead there will be a get-together to support the Jodi Lee Foundation. We have secured a deal to attend a breakfast event at the Camfield Hotel for $40 pp (normally $110 pp). Speakers will be Lord Ian Botham and Damian Fleming. A Flyer will be sent out to members.
- Gerry M: Saturday 8th November is the International Dinner to engage our newer international members, many of whom love cooking. This will be held at the John McGrath Hall. The 7-8 internationals will kindly bring “keynote” dishes and others bringing accompanying dishes. If you don’t want to bring food, just come along with $10 and we’ll put that into the Charity Bucket...Please indicate on circulating sheets your attendance.
She's so Fine(s)...
- Visitor of the week Wayne Duke, welcome back stranger but pop in a dollar.
- Gorby – first timer winning the wine…..last week.
- Anyone who didn’t wear their red 'End Polio Now T-shirt' last Friday on the day. Even our own Brian and Siew wore theirs in China -way to go!
- Speaking of China, all those who have been to China, Russia or South Korea…those heads of state being together…Oh and all us Aussies can dob in a $ as well….Pay up!
- Global Champagne day was last Friday and I noticed it wasn’t acknowledged in fines or by the Pres….so guzzlers of bubbles pay up!
- It's Halloween…non-trick-or-treaters pay up (it's actual origin is Celtic not American at all)
- Fawlty Towers followers… in memory of dear Prunella Scales who shuffled off her mortal coils - Basiiiiiil…
- Haircuts and beards must be flavour of month…Kelly chopped his beard off, Ken P has had a haircut and Ross Smith needs one!
- Lew Thomas – must have Irish blood in him, he’s wearing 2 name badges today (both his)…to be sure to be sure.
Heads and Tails
Attendance
38 attendees in all, including guest speaker Andrew Sim.
