Our Mission Statement
Provide Expert Drone Pilot Services by Operating Professional Unmanned Aircraft for High-Quality Aerial Data Collection.
Company Overview
Formerly known as Hitec USA, Hitec Group USA has been an industry leader in actuator manufacturing since 1983. Our group incorporates Hitec RCD, servicing the radio control hobby, Hitec Commercial Solutions, our actuator and sUAS manufacturing division, and Hitec Commercial Drone Services, our aerial service division.
At HDS, our mission is clear: to provide end-to-end aerial services for customers in Agriculture, Construction & Excavation, Mining & Aggregates, Energy & Gas, Engineering & Surveying, Public Safety and many other vertical sectors. Our team of certified pilots and engineers provide advanced data collection techniques with industry-leading photogrammetric software to suit the specialized needs of each project makes HDS the obvious commercial solution. Our experts utilize our own proprietary fleet of sUAS vehicles as well as other available drone platforms, to analyze, assess and recommend the right tools to get your job done, including comprehensive pilot training for your team. Our proprietary Mission Control software, drone peripherals and impressive data and photogrammetry collection techniques allow for the most comprehensive unmanned aviation experience.
FAA Certified Pilots / FAAST Member
Our pilots are FAA Part 107 certified and Jim Bonnardel is a FAAST member
Infrared Thermography Certified
Qualified for infrared camera operation, data collection and producing inspection reports
Situational Operations Training
Experienced with teaching and training students as well as professionals in their specialty field
Overseeing the HDS division and its team of skilled pilots is Jim Bonnardel, an innovative entrepreneur with a history steeped in unmanned flight. Jim established his own successful business in 1982, providing aerial services to corporate B2B entities. His inventive nature and extensive flying prowess lead him to become a certified & insured UAS service pilot and instructor. Jim has logged over 1750 precision mapping missions, inspected over 2000 utility structures, and flown more than 2500 commercial and residential property shoots, as well as dozens of missions for creative projects involving both television and music videos. He has provided 850 hours of commercial instruction, as well as 850 hours of instructional field training and vetting for utility inspection crews. As a result of his training experience, Jim has issued 150 sUAS Utility Training Certificates and looks forward to instructing and training more individuals in the world of unmanned flight!
Hitec Commercial Drone Services - Elevate Your Aerial Expectations
Proven Aerial Expertise
Certified & Insured UAS Service Pilots and Instructors Boast Impressive Numbers
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Meet the team
Industry Partnerships
Associated General Contractors • San Diego Chapter
Business Supporting Member
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
Advocacy Committee Member
San Diego County Farm Bureau
Business Supporting Member
San Diego Industrial Drone Consortium (SDIDC)
Consortium Member
Women and Drones
Small Business Affiliate
Grossmont College
Drone Technology Program Professor / Instructor