Imagine the future of aviation and safety, and to inspire the next generation of leaders to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). But before we look forward, we must also recognize the tremendous work that has already been done. We stand on the foundation built by those who came before us—leaders who have advanced technology, infrastructure, and safety in ways that have made this moment possible.
Today, we are here not just to talk about new ideas, but to share the air—for every drone operator, every pilot, every youth aspiring to explore STEM, and every person who relies on the safety and reliability of our airspace. And as we explore these new ideas, we must honor the progress that has already brought us this far.
This is not just a challenge; it is our responsibility. A responsibility to ensure that as our airspace evolves, it remains a safe and efficient environment for both manned and unmanned aircraft. And to meet that responsibility, we must commit to adopting an integrated air management system—a system like AirHub or other existing frameworks that will allow us to safely share the air for all, while also cultivating an environment where our youth are inspired to pursue careers in aviation, safety, and technology.
A Shared Challenge, A Shared Responsibility
We’ve all seen the headlines. Near misses between UAVs and airplanes, the growing congestion of our airspace, and the very real risks that come with it. These challenges are real, but they don’t represent the full story. Thanks to the work of countless innovators and regulators, we’ve already made incredible strides in aviation safety and technology. But these accomplishments also present us with opportunities—to lead, to innovate, and to build on this strong foundation as we create a future where UAVs and manned aircraft don’t just coexist, but thrive together.
How do we do that? We share the air—by adopting integrated systems, real-time coordination, and advanced technologies that ensure the safety of every flight. And in doing so, we build on the work that has already been done. We need laws and regulations that are not just adaptable, but accessible to everyone—whether you are a hobbyist flying a drone for fun, a commercial operator, or a pilot flying a passenger jet. And we need to make sure our youth—our future engineers, pilots, and safety experts—are inspired to take up these challenges with curiosity and determination.
Making Laws and Regulations Accessible and Inspiring the Next Generation
For too long, the regulatory landscape has been complex and, at times, difficult to navigate. The rules governing UAVs, airspace, and aviation safety are scattered across different agencies, filled with technical jargon, and often require extensive knowledge just to understand what’s permissible and what’s not. But even here, we must recognize that much progress has already been made. We have systems in place that work; our challenge now is to streamline, integrate, and make these systems more accessible to everyone.
If we truly want to share the air, we must build on this progress by creating a regulatory framework that is clear, consistent, and accessible. It starts with simplifying the rules—making them easy to find, easy to understand, and easy to follow. Whether it’s through digital platforms, mobile apps, or integrated systems, we need to ensure that anyone who takes to the skies—whether they’re flying a drone or a plane—knows exactly what’s expected of them and how to stay compliant.
But equally important, we need to ensure that these platforms and systems are accessible and understandable for our youth. We need to create pathways for students to explore careers in STEM fields like aviation, drone technology, and safety management. We must provide them with the opportunities and resources to understand how their interests in science and technology can translate into real-world careers that keep our skies safe and our communities thriving.
Imagine a future where every drone operator, commercial pilot, and air traffic controller has real-time access to the latest regulations and airspace updates, right at their fingertips. Where notifications about changes in airspace, weather conditions, or emergency restrictions are instantly delivered, tailored to the specific needs of the user. And imagine a future where the students of today—our future innovators—are not only aware of these technologies but are actively contributing to their development. Picture young people learning how to design drones, program software, and create safety systems that will one day keep our skies safe. They’re not just observers; they’re participants, empowered to shape the future of aviation and technology with their own hands.
This isn’t just about making rules more accessible—it’s about making our airspace safer, more transparent, and more inclusive for all, while empowering our youth to explore their potential. By encouraging them to pursue STEM, we are ensuring that the spirit of innovation and responsibility continues to guide us forward.
The Vision: A Safer, Smarter, and More Inclusive Airspace
Now, let me paint you a picture.
Imagine a father and his son, members of our close-knit community, spending their Saturday afternoon flying a drone in a park. The father shares his knowledge, teaching his son not just about technology, but about the values of responsibility, stewardship, and respect for others—values deeply rooted in our community and our faith.
As they enjoy their time together, the drone climbs higher, unaware of a regional aircraft approaching nearby. But thanks to an integrated air hub system, the potential conflict is detected instantly. An alert is sent to both the drone controller and the aircraft’s pilot. The system safely guides the drone down, while the pilot adjusts the flight path slightly, all in real time. The entire interaction is smooth, calm, and managed by a system designed to protect both manned and unmanned aircraft, ensuring that moments like these can be enjoyed safely.
This scenario reflects the values we hold dear—family, stewardship, and the importance of taking care of one another. It also reflects our commitment to safety, to responsible innovation, and to inspiring our youth to take part in shaping the future of aviation and technology. This is the future we are working toward—a future where UAVs and manned aircraft share the same sky without conflict, coordinated by an intelligent system that allows us all to share the air responsibly.
The Power of Unity and the Spirit of Innovation in Utah
Now, let’s talk about what unity and innovation have already accomplished, right here in Utah and Salt Lake City. This city, and our state, have long been at the forefront of technological advancement, earning our region the nickname “Silicon Slopes.” This reflects our growing reputation as a hub for tech innovation and entrepreneurship, rivaling the famed Silicon Valley.
Utah has become a magnet for tech companies, startups, and investors, driving economic growth and putting us on the map as a national leader in technology. From major tech companies like Adobe, Qualtrics, and Pluralsight establishing headquarters and operations here, to the thriving startup ecosystem that has emerged in the Point of the Mountain corridor, we are building the future of technology right here in our backyard.
Consider the Utah Technology Innovation Plan, which aims to make Utah the next major tech hub in the U.S. By fostering a culture of collaboration, supporting research and development, and creating the infrastructure necessary for growth, we’ve laid the groundwork for unprecedented innovation.
These efforts aren’t just about software or cloud computing; they’re about integrating technology into every facet of our lives, from healthcare to education to—yes—aviation. Just as we have become leaders in the tech world, we can lead the way in ensuring our airspace is managed with the same forward-thinking approach. We are not just participants in the future of aviation; we are shaping it. And in doing so, we must encourage our young people to step into roles that help us all navigate these exciting changes.
Projects like the Salt Lake City International Airport redevelopment—one of the largest public works projects in Utah’s history—show what we can achieve when we collaborate across sectors. This airport will serve as a gateway to our city for decades to come, a testament to our vision of progress. The Point of the Mountain development, a project designed to turn Utah into a global innovation hub, showcases how collaboration between government, private companies, and educational institutions can transform our state into a leader in technological progress.
These milestones are not just about buildings or infrastructure—they are about creating an environment where innovation thrives, safety is prioritized, and our youth are empowered to take on the challenges of tomorrow. And just like these projects, to share the air, we need collaboration and a commitment to adopting systems that can make our skies as forward-thinking as our technology sector while inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
The Path Forward: Sharing the Air and Inspiring the Future
Yes, there are challenges ahead. Yes, it will take time, investment, and commitment. But when we stay focused on our shared vision—when we keep our eyes on the future—we will succeed. Together, we will share the air and ensure that our airspace remains a place of safety, innovation, and opportunity for the next generation.
We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We can adopt existing systems like AirHub and others that have already demonstrated success in integrating UAVs and manned aircraft into a unified airspace. We will need to create regulations that are adaptable and forward-thinking. We will need to develop the infrastructure that can handle the complexity of this new aviation landscape. And we will need to invest in the technology that makes real-time coordination between UAVs and manned aircraft a reality.
But when we do, we will build something transformative. We will create a system that doesn’t just manage air traffic, but truly shares the air for all, while inspiring the next generation to take up the mantle of innovation and safety.
A Call to Action: Sharing the Future
So, let’s not wait. Let’s seize this moment. Let’s come together, collaborate, and innovate. Let’s adopt the integrated air management system that will allow us to safely share the air for generations to come, and let’s ensure that our youth have the opportunities to explore and contribute to these advancements.
Because in the end, when future generations look back on this moment, they will ask: Did we do our part to share the air? Did we build the future of aviation with responsibility and vision? Did we inspire the leaders of tomorrow?
This is our moment. This is our responsibility. This is our call to action. Let’s be the ones who stepped up, who took action, and who truly shared the air for the future of aviation, safety, and innovation.
Let’s get to work.