Rob Knochenhauer is an aviation and regulatory strategy expert specializing in advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations. As Co-Founder and Principal Advisor of Protocol UAS, he helps organizations leverage emerging technologies to develop pathways to safe, efficient UAS operations across a wide range of industries.
Rob began his career as a certificated Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic before transitioning into engineering, where he spent 15 years supporting and ultimately leading the development of unmanned ground, maritime, and aerial systems at Foster-Miller and Aurora Flight Sciences. For the commercial drone industry, Rob led efforts at Censys Technologies to secure Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operational waivers for Censys’ clients for applications including linear infrastructure inspection and surveying from 2022 to 2026. Prior to Censys, he supported the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s UAS program by developing strategies for complex corridor BVLOS operations.
Drawing on deep experience in both UxS system design and operational implementation, Rob works with clients to develop regulatory strategies and communicate safety-focused operational concepts to civil aviation authorities and range safety officers at military facilities, enabling flight of new types of UAS and for operations beyond existing regulations for mature UAS platforms. He also helps shape the future of advanced UAS operations through active participation in ASTM F38 and JARUS working groups, contributing to the development of industry standards and regulatory frameworks.