About Us
Streamlining the way manual inspections are presently accomplished within the Oil & Gas, Utility, Pulp & Paper, and Maritime industries.
What We Do.
Interactive Aerial is a R&D, engineering, and manufacturing company for unmanned aerial systems based in Traverse City, Michigan. We are currently focused on a drone for internal infrastructure inspections – specifically large confined space, GPS-denied environments. In late 2015, we partnered with a notable robotic inspection company to produce the perfect internal flying drone. With high craftsmanship standards, we built the vehicle from scratch using American suppliers and materials. The Legacy One has already saved companies millions of dollars because of quicker outages by eliminating traditional inspection methods.
Engineering
Our skilled engineering team spends countless hours researching and developing the ideal technology for internal flight. Interactive Aerial’s decommissioned tank makes for the perfect environment to bring advanced features to market.
Assembly
Blending between in-house manufacturing and our premium suppliers, the Legacy One is made and assembled in America. We use precision machined aluminum and premium carbon fiber components to build the perfect indoor flying machine.
Services
We don’t just build Legacy One’s, we’ll come fly them for you as well. Interactive Aerial’s experienced pilots are a perfect solution to that one-time inspection need or to prove the value of UAVs to your management team.
Support
After purchasing a Legacy One, our team will take great care of you with a handful of post-delivery services. Routine maintenance, ongoing training, and hardware/software upgrades are just a few of many ways you’ll be well taken care of.
Mark Stephens
Chief Executive Officer
Focused on sales and long-term strategic vision. 35 years of manufacturing, engineering, and business expertise.
Christian Smith
President
Oversees global sales, marketing, and day-to-day company leadership.
Pierce Thomas
Operations Manager
Manages Inspection Services and Chief Pilot.
Christopher Schmidt
Technology Manager
Leads product software and embedded hardware development.
Justin Bentsen
Engineering Manager
Oversees mechanical design, development, and manufacturing of products.
Earl Crotchet
Oil & Gas Industry Advisor
Earl Crotchet is currently the Director of Engineering and Operational Optimization at Kinder Morgan. He became a Certified API 653 Tank Inspector in 1993 and has remained active in the API since, serving on the Subcommittee of Aboveground Storage Tanks (past Chairman), current co-chair of the API 2350 Tank Overfill Prevention Committee, and several other committees. He also served on the International Liquids Terminals Association Board of Directors from 2009 to 2015, including Chairman in 2014. Earl has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in 3 States.
Brad Owens
Maritime Industry Advisor
Bradley Owens is the founder and owner of Alternative Marine, located in Superior-Duluth. His marine career started with the U.S. Navy’s Gas Turbine Mechanical Program. After his time in the service, he worked as a maintenance supervisor in a foundry and completed an Associate Degree in Electronics through WITC, an extension of University of Wisconsin – Superior. For 30 years, Brad has been consulting with the Maritime Industry and currently operates an underwater specialty business utilizing ROV submersibles. Always the entrepreneur, Brad recognized the need for UAV systems to complete hazardous internal hull inspections. Brad is FAA licensed and has an ABS Remote Survey Certification.
Get In Touch.
Ready to get started? Have a question? We’re here to help! Simply fill out the contact form and one of our professional team members will get back to you within 24-hours -OR- give us a call to speak with an expert right now!