What happens when two leaders with deep aviation and operational expertise help bring drone technology from concept to real-world deployment? This week on the Dawn of Autonomy podcast, we explore that question as we continue Security Month with sponsor Echodyne, featuring Calvin Rieb, Senior Director at Cargill, and Charlton Evans, Founder and CEO of End State Solutions.
Calvin Rieb brings more than 20 years of aviation experience, from his early days at an FBO to serving as a U.S. Army H-60 mechanic and aviator, and now leading Cargill’s drone program for the past seven years. At Cargill, he oversees the strategy, education, and execution behind deploying drone technology safely and at scale across global operations. His combined military and commercial background gives him a grounded perspective on how large organizations can build drone programs that are not only compliant but also operationally durable.
Charlton Evans offers a complementary perspective shaped by more than 35 years in aviation, with a focus on certification, airworthiness, and regulatory strategy. As founder and CEO of End State Solutions, he has supported milestone programs such as ScanEagle and the Matternet M2, helping innovators navigate the path from concept to certified, operational systems. His work sits at the intersection of defense and commercial aviation, where regulatory clarity and disciplined execution are essential.
In this episode, Calvin and Charlton dig into what it actually takes to move drone programs forward in complex, real-world environments. They explore how the industry should approach the transition from Part 107 to what comes next, whether through Part 108 or broader frameworks like Section 2209, and why progress should be measured against what is already working. A key theme is the importance of “grandfathering” safe, proven operations rather than introducing unnecessary regulatory changes that could disrupt an ecosystem already demonstrating real-world safety and value.
They also discuss why operational discipline matters as much as technological advancement, how organizations can scale responsibly, and what lessons from aviation and defense can guide the next phase of drone integration.
Tune in to hear how they are helping shape the next chapter of drone adoption, why practical deployment matters more than hype, and how maintaining momentum without overcorrecting will define the future of enterprise drone programs.
