Kraettli Epperson, CEO and Co-Founder of Vigilant Aerospace Systems, will host “Autonomous Systems: Advancing the Future of Flight” at the 2026 Oklahoma Aerospace Forum. The panel will take place Thursday, October 8, from 10:35 to 11:50 a.m. Central, at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel in Oklahoma City.
The session will bring together representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), university research, and commercial drone delivery. Epperson will moderate a discussion on advanced air mobility (AAM), uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), and the requirements for expanding autonomous aviation operations.
The forum is sponsored by Oklahoma Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES). It brings aerospace, aviation, and defense professionals together to discuss industry developments and Oklahoma’s aerospace economy.
Panelists Bring Regulatory, Research, and Operational Perspectives
Joining Epperson on the panel will be:
- Dr. Katrina Avers, FAA: Avers manages the Safe Operations in Aviation Research (SOAR) Laboratory at the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute in Oklahoma City. Her work examines human performance and aviation safety, including how automation, procedures, and workload affect pilots.
- James Spencer Jr., Oklahoma State University’s Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education (OSU OAIRE): Spencer directs the LaunchPad Center for Advanced Air Mobility. His work connects university research with industry needs, supporting technology commercialization, startup development, and aerospace partnerships.
- Alan Hicks, Manna Air Delivery: Hicks is Chief Technology Officer at Manna, where he leads the technology organization and guides development of its drone delivery platform. He brings experience in distributed software systems and engineering leadership.
Together, the panelists will offer perspectives on aviation safety research, bringing new technologies to market, and operating drone delivery services.
Moving From Testing to Routine Operations
The planned discussion will examine what must change for autonomous flight to become a routine commercial service. Topics include the pace of regulatory development, airspace integration, and the technical challenges facing operators over the next 18 to 24 months.
Infrastructure and public trust are also on the agenda. Panelists will consider the facilities, community engagement, and coordination needed to support recurring operations. The discussion guide also addresses alignment between federal aviation approvals and local or tribal permissions for activities on the ground.
Commercial viability will be another focus. Questions will explore the factors that influence operating costs and the steps needed to demonstrate measurable value for businesses and communities. Domestic supply chains, workforce preparation, and research priorities will provide additional context.
The session will also examine Oklahoma’s role in advancing autonomous aviation. Planned questions address how research institutions, industry partners, and public agencies can support development and deployment. Audience questions are scheduled to follow the moderated discussion.
Vigilant Aerospace’s Perspective
Epperson leads Vigilant Aerospace’s development of multi-sensor “detect-and-avoid” (DAA) and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft. His work includes flight testing and collaboration with government and university partners. This experience provides context for a discussion connecting aircraft technology, airspace awareness, and operational requirements.
View the Oklahoma Aerospace Forum event page for the full agenda and registration information.
About the Oklahoma Aerospace Forum and Oklahoma ACES
The Oklahoma Aerospace Forum is an annual industry gathering featuring expert panels, presentations, and networking. Its sponsor, Oklahoma ACES, supports aerospace and defense industry growth through business development, supply chain coordination, and collaboration among industry and public agencies.
About the FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Its responsibilities include aviation safety, air traffic services, and oversight of the national airspace system.
About OSU OAIRE
Oklahoma State University’s Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education advances aerospace research, education, and technology development through partnerships with industry and government.
About Manna Air Delivery
Manna Air Delivery provides drone delivery services for food, groceries, medicines, and other goods from local businesses.
Vigilant Aerospace is the leading developer of multi-sensor detect-and-avoid and airspace management software for uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drones). The company’s product, FlightHorizon, is based on two NASA patents and uses data from multiple sources to display a real-time picture of the air traffic around a UAS and to provide automatic avoidance maneuvers to prevent collisions. The software is designed to meet industry technical standards, to provide automatic safety and to allow UAS to safely fly beyond the sight of the pilot. The software has won multiple industry awards and the company has had contracts and users at NASA, the FAA, the U.S. Department of Defense and with a variety of drone development programs. Visit our website at www.VigilantAerospace.com