Nelis Coetzee

RPAS/UAS aviation and airspace security professional with 10+ years of unmanned aviation experience across oil and gas, UN operations, Mozambique field operations, Middle East contract delivery, aerial surveillance, inspection and mapping. Current RPAS Subject Matter Expert for a major oil and gas operator in the Niger Delta, supporting RPAS capability integration, aviation safety oversight, NCAA compliance, vendor development, operational deployment planning and pipeline/security fusion cell integration. Former UN UAV Chief Pilot with direct day/night surveillance, reconnaissance support, controlled airspace operations, aviation authority liaison and military/police coordination.

Holds 1,100+ UAV flight hours with CAA RPAS Part 101, Instructor Rating, BVLOS Rating, fixed-wing and multi-rotor experience.

RPAS Subject Matter Expert at Major Oil & Gas Operator (Confidential) (2024-10 – Present)

Serve as RPAS SME for an oil and gas security RPAS capability supporting anti-crude theft, pipeline/security fusion cell operations, aviation safety and operational continuity.

• Oversee global RPAS standards, client aviation safety controls, new technology, standards, safety/compliance requirements, NCAA compliance and international RPAS standards.
• Plan RPAS fleet operational application, deployment, expansion and replacement while coordinating with aviation, security, operations and vendor stakeholders.
• Lead vendor development and assurance by implementing enhancement programs, monitoring provider progress, auditing compliance and identifying systems/equipment optimization opportunities.
• Maintain documentation and reporting for RPAS activities and deliverables in line with client procedures, security requirements and aviation regulatory obligations.
• Develop local capability through understudy selection, competence development, mentoring/coaching, assessment, phased handover and progress feedback.

RPAS Contract and Operations Manager at ESBAAR (2022-05 – 2023-09)

Managed commercial, operational and technical aspects of RPAS contract delivery, ensuring contract requirements, resource allocation and ancillary services were aligned with project outcomes.

• Worked with the Oman Civil Aviation Authority (Oman CAA) on RPAS operational approval, compliance, airspace coordination and aviation authority stakeholder requirements.
• Developed project plans, documentation frameworks, management calendars, meeting actions and project controls covering schedules, work hours, budgets and expenditures.
• Identified, tracked and mitigated project risks and issues while closing audit actions, meeting decisions and contract obligations effectively.
• Led stakeholder engagement across company, client and operational teams, preparing presentation materials, facilitating meetings, supporting site visits and providing management information.

UAV Chief Pilot (Special Equipment Operator) at United Nations (2020-10 – 2022-01)

Led UAV flight operations for UN mission requirements, including aerial surveying, mapping, day/night surveillance, reconnaissance support, controlled airspace operations and high-altitude operations up to 10,000 ft.

• Coordinated with UN Air Ops, local aviation authorities, military and police units for mission planning, intelligence support, secure airspace management, troop safety and ambush prevention.
• Managed flight plan filing, NOTAM requests, pre-flight checklists, mission readiness, team coordination, equipment readiness and operational documentation.
• Developed and implemented SOPs, manuals, training syllabi, flight test plans, safety assessments and hazard analyses aligned with UN operational standards and configuration management.
• Delivered micro-UAV and small UAV operator training to military observers and operational users, improving mission readiness and safe system use.

UAV Chief Pilot at Skystance Aerial Drone Services (2019-02 – 2020-04)

Managed UAV flight operations across aerial filming, surveying, mapping, construction monitoring, visual inspection, thermal inspection and precision agriculture services.

• Delivered advanced thermal inspection support for flare stacks, piping, HVAC leak detection, solar panels and 440kV line hotspot detection.
• Coordinated flight plans, pre-flight checklists, crew readiness, equipment readiness, authority/customer/OEM engagement, flight test plans, safety assessments and operational manuals.

UAV Chief Pilot / Flight Operations Manager at A.D.N. Soluções LDA (2016-01 – 2019-01)

Directed UAV operations in Mozambique for surveying, surveillance, thermal patrol, agriculture, mining, construction and wildlife management using fixed-wing and multi-rotor platforms.

• Processed and analyzed survey data, supported aerial thermal inspections, conducted ground/flight testing and maintained pilot proficiency for operational and flight test demands.
• Authored SOPs, policies, health and safety documentation, operational manuals and flight test plans to support safe, compliant and repeatable operations.
• Delivered small UAV operator training, survey training and GIS software training to improve team capability and operational independence.

Diploma in Aviation Management – Pursuing

High School Diploma – Frans Du Toit High School (1994)