Travis Michels
About Travis Michels
Travis Michels is a Flight Test Engineer at Skydio, where he has worked since 2023. He has a background in drone operations and safety management, with previous roles at Amazon and Colorado State University.
Current Role at Skydio
Travis Michels serves as a Flight Test Engineer at Skydio, a position he has held since 2023. He is based in San Mateo, California. In this role, he is involved in the testing and evaluation of flight operations, contributing to the development and enhancement of Skydio's drone technology.
Previous Experience at Skydio
Prior to his current role, Travis worked at Skydio as a Flight Test Operator for seven months in 2023. His responsibilities included conducting flight tests and ensuring the operational safety of drone systems, which laid the groundwork for his advancement to Flight Test Engineer.
Educational Background
Travis Michels studied at Colorado State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences from 2016 to 2021. He also attended Aims Community College, where he completed a program to become an Emergency Medical Technician in 2018.
Experience in Drone Operations
Travis has extensive experience in drone operations, having worked as a Drone Flight Operator at Amazon from 2021 to 2022 in Pendleton, Oregon, and later in Lockeford, California. He also served as a Drone Pilot at Amazon for seven months in Seattle, Washington, showcasing his skills in managing drone flight operations across various locations.
Roles in Safety and Instruction
Before his tenure at Amazon, Travis was employed at the CSU Drone Center as a Safety Manager, Instructor, and UAS Pilot from 2019 to 2021. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing safety protocols and providing instruction on drone operations, further enhancing his expertise in the field.