Not every professional milestone comes with a doctorate in Drone Pilotology. But when Jaykob Hubbard, PE, recently celebrated two major accomplishments, his Clark Dietz colleagues decided that a little extra recognition was in order.
Jaykob Hubbard, PE, holds the honorary “Doctorate of Drone Pilotology” certificate (Lexington, KY).
Complete with a humorous certificate recognizing his expertise in the highly unofficial field of “Drone Pilotology,” the team found a creative way to celebrate Jaykob’s latest achievements: earning his Kentucky Professional Engineer (PE) license and passing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 107 Remote Pilot knowledge test.
While the honorary doctorate may not carry any official credentials, the accomplishments behind it certainly do.
A Major Milestone in Engineering
For Jaykob, a Staff Engineer in Clark Dietz’s Lexington, Kentucky, office, earning his PE license represents years of education, hands-on experience, and professional growth. It’s also a milestone he’s been working toward since college.
“I was told since college the biggest step in civil engineering was getting your PE license,” Jaykob said. “I am glad to have reached that milestone and felt a weight lifted off my shoulders once I received the email with my license number. Having the ability to stamp drawings will be a big factor in my career going forward.”
Jaykob supports a range of civil engineering projects, bringing experience in infrastructure, utilities, manufacturing facilities, surveying, design coordination, and construction support. His background in CAD, GIS, and project coordination allows him to contribute throughout the project lifecycle, from initial design through construction and final documentation.
Earning his PE license marks an important next step, opening opportunities to assume greater technical responsibility and continue growing as an engineer.
Taking His Skills to New Heights
As if earning his PE license wasn’t enough, Jaykob also decided to set his sights a little higher. Literally.
With an interest in expanding how technology can support engineering projects, he studied for and passed the FAA’s Part 107 Remote Pilot knowledge test, an important step toward becoming a certified commercial drone pilot.
The test covers aviation regulations, airspace classifications, weather, safety procedures, and other essential knowledge for operating small, unmanned aircraft systems. Jaykob has submitted his application and is awaiting issuance of his Remote Pilot Certificate.
Once certified, he hopes to gain flight experience and put those skills to work capturing aerial photographs of project sites. He’s also interested in exploring the potential of drone-based lidar technology, should the team acquire the necessary equipment.
From documenting construction progress to providing a different perspective on site conditions, drones offer another way to collect information and help project teams better understand the environments they’re working in.
And while the FAA may not officially recognize a doctorate in Drone Pilotology, his colleagues clearly think he’s earned one.
Celebrating the Accomplishments (and Having a Little Fun)
Professional development takes dedication, but celebrating the people behind those achievements doesn’t have to be serious all the time.
Jaykob’s milestones reflect his commitment to continuing his education, expanding his technical abilities, and finding new ways to contribute to the projects and communities Clark Dietz serves.
His colleagues’ honorary certificate is also a reminder that a little humor makes those moments even more memorable.
Congratulations, Jaykob Hubbard, PE, and honorary Doctor of Drone Pilotology! We’re excited to see where your engineering career takes you next, on the ground and in the air.
Have a Kentucky project ready to take flight? Connect with Jonathan Rehner, PE, Steve Caudill, PE, and Sherry Mulkins to learn how our Kentucky team can help move your community’s infrastructure goals forward.
