Part 107 drone pilot turns autism into a business asset

Part 107 pilot, Darcy Rouhani has turned her autism into a business asset to help companies navigate to complex FAA rules for unmanned aircraft.

Part 107 drone pilot turns autism into a business asset

In an interview with ABC Action News, Rouhani said she never looked at autism as a challenge, more like an asset.

“I have a form of spatial intelligence which allows me to visualize complex systems in my mind,” she said.

Sensory issues related to autism meant that Rouhani could never be a pilot, however, it didn't stop her from becoming a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified Part 107 drone pilot.

“So it was always a dream of mine and this is kind of a way I get to experience that, achieve that dream,” said Rouhani. “It's probably safer, my mom is much happier.”

In an effort to make an impact on the male-dominated aviation industry and to help businesses with drones to navigate the ever-changing drone rules and regulations of the FAA, Rouhani started RoC Aviation Services in Tampa, Florida.

“Companies that have fleets, that do land surveillance, geospatial mapping,” said Rouhani. “They have to gain design approvals, production approvals, appliance certification in order to move forward so that's what we are doing.”

With the arrival of Remote ID for drones, it seems that Rouhani's sense of timing and business opportunity is spot on.

About Darcy Rouhani

Darcy Rouhani has worked in aviation for more than 14 years, serving in capacities ranging from Quality Control Analyst to Systems Engineer to Chief Operating Officer. She has a history of successfully leading aviation businesses through FAA processes to achieve Parts Manufacturing (PMA) approvals and Production Approval Holder (PAH) certifications in record time. Throughout her career, Darcy has worked hard to drive a culture of excellence to leaders within her organizations, building TRUST with industry colleagues, suppliers, and vendors as well as with the FAA. As CEO of RoC, Darcy leads a team of engineering and regulatory professionals to support growing industries within the commercial aviation and unmanned aircraft sectors as well as geospatial mapping. She maintains membership with FABA (Florida Aviation Business Association), she is an FAA Certified Remote pilot, and she is in the process of becoming an FAA designee. In her spare time, she is an active member of Women and Drones, an organization dedicated to driving excellence in the unmanned aircraft systems industries by achieving equity and participation of women. She also enjoys supporting the autism community through serving on nonprofit boards and volunteering within those organizations.

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