Joseph Hexter

Joe is employed by SAIC as a Senior Regulatory Analyst assigned to AUS-430, Unmanned Aircraft Integration Office, Safety and Operations Organization. In this capacity he is responsible for the research, analysis and drafting of regulatory documents, management of individual projects as well as technical and program support for the development and maintenance of the AUS Safety Management System (SMS). For the past three years, Joe’s primary focus has been drafting grants of exemption, in accordance with Section 333 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and the new small UAS rule, 14 CFR part 107.

For the past 49 years Joe’s background focused on aviation; initially in aircraft maintenance and later as an airline captain.  Joe has been a ground and flight simulator instructor, a pilot check-airman/designee, and has held the positions of Chief Pilot, Director of Operations and Director of Safety under air carrier/commercial operations.  After thirty-seven years in commercial aviation Joe began contracting with the FAA (flying a desk).  Initially he worked in the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) at System Operations Safety (AJR-C) conducting Safety Risk Analysis, and later as a Safety Assurance ISO Lead Auditor.  Joe started in the Unmanned Aircraft Program Office (AFS-407) in January 4, 2011.

When not working or spending four hours a day commuting, Joe tinkers with old cars and manages to find a little time to shoot skeet.  His hobbies are contingent on permission from his wife of 29 years, and what funds remain after paying college tuition for his three sons, and purchasing laptop computers for six grandchildren.