John Cotto
Glennville
Summary
Safety-focused MQ-1C (Gray Eagle) operator with over 950 accident-free flight hours and 100 combat missions. Expertise in pre-flight inspections and weather assessments to optimize drone performance. Proven team leader managing over 2500 flight hours, demonstrating strong attention to detail and effective communication skills. Consistently executes tasks with precision and enhances operational efficiency.
Overview
1
1
Certification
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
MQ1C (Gray Eagle) Operator
U.S. Army Active Duty
Fort Stewart, Georgia
06.2024 - Current
- Remote Station operations
- Conducted pre-flight inspections to ensure equipment safety and functionality.
- Monitored drone performance and navigational systems during operations.
- Maintained accurate records of flight logs and maintenance activities.
- Adhered to regulatory guidelines for drone operation in designated airspace.
- Operated drones in accordance with FAA regulations and safety guidelines.
- Ensured compliance with local laws and regulations governing use of unmanned aircraft systems.
- Monitored weather conditions prior to each flight, ensuring safe operations at all times.
- Identified potential hazards associated with UAS operations, taking steps to mitigate risks accordingly.
- Maintained accurate logbooks of all flights and related activities.
- Utilized advanced navigation systems such as GPS tracking devices when operating drones.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving unmanned aircraft systems.
- Calculated aircraft weight, balance and fuel requirements for each flight.
- Operated radio equipment to contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions and other information.
- Analyzed engine operation, fuel consumption, and aircraft systems to promote optimal performance.
MQ1C (Gray Eagle) Operator
U.S. Army Active Duty
Fort Wainwright, Alaska
04.2021 - 04.2024
- Conducted pre-flight inspections to ensure equipment safety and functionality.
- Monitored drone performance and navigational systems during operations.
- Maintained accurate records of flight logs and maintenance activities.
- Adhered to regulatory guidelines for drone operation in designated airspace.
- Operated drones in accordance with FAA regulations and safety guidelines.
- Monitored weather conditions prior to each flight, ensuring safe operations at all times.
- Identified potential hazards associated with UAS operations, taking steps to mitigate risks accordingly.
- Reviewed existing data sources to determine optimal routes for missions.
- Responded quickly to emergency situations involving unmanned aircraft systems.
- Calculated aircraft weight, balance and fuel requirements for each flight.
- Operated radio equipment to contact control towers for takeoff clearances, arrival instructions and other information.
Education
High School Diploma -
Waynesville High School
Waynesville, MO05-2020
Some College (No Degree) - UAS Operations
Cochise College
Douglas, AZSkills
- Fixed-wing UAV operation
- Pre-flight inspection
- Safety regulations
- Drone navigation
- Emergency response
- Weather assessment
- Route optimization
- Telemetry data interpretation
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Coaching and mentoring
- Employee training
- Complex Problem-solving
- Flexible schedule
- Team supervision
- Team Check-ins
- Expectation setting
Certification
- Secret Clearance - U.S. Army Continuous Vetting
- Basic Leader Course - Noncommissioned Officer Academy (31 January 2025)
- MQ1C (Gray Eagle) Qualification - Department of the Army (23 April 2021)
Accomplishments
- Army Commendation Medal
- 3x Army Achievement Medals
- Army Good Conduct Medal
- Global War on Terrorism Service and Expeditionary Medal
- Humanitarian Service Medal
- Overseas Service Medal
Missions Supported
- Operation Octave Shield (October 2025 - June 2026)
- Operation Southern Border ( February 2025 - October 2025)
- Operation Pacific Eagle ( November 2022 - May 2023)
- 3 Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center Exercises
Timeline
MQ1C (Gray Eagle) Operator
U.S. Army Active Duty
06.2024 - Current
MQ1C (Gray Eagle) Operator
U.S. Army Active Duty
04.2021 - 04.2024
High School Diploma -
Waynesville High School
Some College (No Degree) - UAS Operations
Cochise College