Dr. Jonathan Foremny

From Connectivity to Safety Service Provider: The Evolution of UAV Communications

Dr. Jonathan Foremny, Viasat, Carroll College

The next phase of UAV operations will require a fundamental shift in how communications are viewed across the aviation ecosystem. As operations move beyond visual line of sight and toward routine, scalable integration into the national and international airspace systems, communications can no longer be considered simply a data service, they must become a trusted safety function supporting mission continuity, operational assurance, and regulatory compliance.  This presentation will examine the evolution of UAV communications from traditional connectivity solutions toward aviation grade safety services (and into C2CSP). It will explore the emerging role of communications service providers in enabling safe UAV operations through assured command and control links, performance-based satellite communications requirements, cybersecurity protections, and alignment with evolving aviation standards and regulatory frameworks to include Part 108 and Part 146.  The session will discuss how standards such as RTCA DO-377B/C, EUROCAE WG-105, ICAO RPAS guidance, and other global initiatives are shaping expectations for communication performance, including availability, continuity, integrity, and latency. It will highlight the distinction between providing connectivity and providing a safety critical communications capability that can support regulatory approval of complex BVLOS operations.  As the UAV industry advances toward higher levels of autonomy, expanded operational domains, and global interoperability, the communications layer will become a foundational element of aviation safety assurance. This presentation will explore the strategic opportunity for communications providers to evolve from bandwidth providers into aviation safety service providers, helping operators, regulators, and airspace stakeholders build the confidence required for the next generation of remotely piloted and autonomous flight operations. 

Dr. Jonathan Foremny is an aviation and space professional specializing in remotely piloted aircraft systems, airworthiness, aviation standards, and regulatory integration. He serves as Manager, Aviation and UAV Standards at Viasat, where he leads global standards and regulatory activities supporting aviation connectivity, BVLOS operations, and safety critical satellite communications.  Dr. Foremny brings more than a decade of experience across aviation, including airworthiness engineering, flight testing, and operational experience with UAS, aerostats, stratospheric aircraft, and advanced aviation systems. He has accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours across multiple types of aircraft and holds extensive experience supporting UAV certification, test operations, and regulatory approval efforts.  He holds a Doctor of Education in Aviation and Space, a Masters in Aviation and Space, an advanced certificate in UAS Operations and Applications, and is working on his MBA in Organizational Management. Additionally, he serves as an associate professor of flight planning and management, contributing to the development of the next generation of aviation professionals. His current focus is advancing global UAV integration through standards development, aviation safety frameworks, and innovative communications solutions that enable scalable BVLOS operations.