ULTRA welcomes Edgar Valdez as a Senior Advisor

Edgar Valdez is a Senior Consultant with Deloitte’s, where he helps clients integrate advanced aviation technologies—such as drones and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)—into the National Airspace System.

His work focuses on program implementation, operational readiness, and navigating policy and regulatory landscapes for the AAM industry.

Previously, Edgar led regulatory strategy at UPS Flight Forward, overseeing procurement and legal workstreams. He holds a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Louisville and a Juris Doctor from NKU Chase College of Law.

Ron Leach appointed Chairman and Executive Director of ULTRA

April 2nd, 2025 - The Trustees of the Urban Low Altitude Transport Association have unanimously appointed Ron Leach as the organization's next Chairman and Executive Director. Ron is a highly decorated, retired law enforcement officer with a long history as a helicopter pilot and UAS expert. His assumption of the leadership role at ULTRA will move the organization into the future of advocacy for Advanced Air Mobility.

Raymond Adams, the prior Chair and Executive Director will be moving on to a private sector role where he will focus on the key regulatory and policy issues impacting the sector.

ULTRA signs agreement with University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Alaska Center for Unmanned System Integration (ACUASI) to accelerate UAS research in the National Airspace System

Press Release 12-21-2023: ULTRA signs agreement with University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Alaska Center for Unmanned System Integration (ACUASI) to accelerate UAS research in the National Airspace System

Fairbanks, AK - The Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) and the Urban Low Altitude Transport Association (ULTRA) have announced a new collaborative agreement aimed at expanding the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the national airspace.

ACUASI, based at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is a leading research and development organization dedicated to advancing the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace system. ULTRA brings decades of experience in aviation, air traffic management and policy, as well as a deep commitment to advancing safe, sustainable, and accessible air mobility.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with ACUASI to help advance the safe and effective integration of UAS in the national airspace," said Ray Adams, Chairman and Executive Director of ULTRA. "With our combined expertise, we believe that we can make significant strides in addressing the technical, operational, and policy challenges that currently limit the full potential of UAS in commercial applications.”

"As part of the collaborative agreement between ACUASI and ULTRA, ULTRA will provide support to ACUASI's FAA Test Range operations. ULTRA's team of experts will offer their operational knowledge and understanding of Federal Aviation Administration regulations to ensure the safe and successful completion of complex UAS missions.

Dr. Catherine F. Cahill, Ph.D., Director of ACUASI, expressed her excitement for the partnership, stating, "This collaboration will bring together the strengths of both ACUASI and ULTRA, enabling us to accelerate research and testing to advance the safe integration of UAS in the national airspace system."

ULTRA's Vice Chairman, Ron Leach, added, "ULTRA has assembled a team of advisors who are experts in aviation, engineering, and policy. With this collaboration, we can bring that expertise to bear in support of ACUASI's mission to advance UAS technology and integrate it safely into the national airspace."

The collaboration between ACUASI and ULTRA will also prioritize safety in UAS operations, which is of utmost importance to both organizations. With the joint efforts of ACUASI and ULTRA, this partnership is expected to yield significant progress towards the integration of UAS in commercial applications.

For more information on ACUASI and ULTRA, visit their respective websites at https://acuasi.alaska.edu/ and https://lnkd.in/dBDuVM7P