Keaton Spellacy
Aviation-focused student building real-world skills across flight training, unmanned aircraft systems, and applied technology. I'm a Private Pilot and FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot, and I founded STARS (Service-oriented Technology, Aviation, and Robotics for Scholars) to deliver hands-on aviation and STEM learning in the community.
About
I'm interested in aviation operations, safety culture, and how emerging technology supports better outcomes in the air and on the ground. My experience includes manned flight training, UAS operations, competitive autonomous systems, and cybersecurity fundamentals. I'm especially motivated by environments where precision matters, teams execute with discipline, and learning is tied to real responsibility.
Focus Areas
Training-focused discipline and safety-first decision-making in both manned and unmanned environments.
- Private Pilot (PPL)
- Risk management mindset
- Standardization and professionalism
UAS operations and technical fundamentals applied through projects, competitions, and coursework.
- FAA Part 107 operations and compliance
- Autonomous/mission-based flight concepts
- Cybersecurity fundamentals and team-based problem solving
Building teams and programs that execute well, communicate clearly, and deliver value to others.
- Founder-led outreach (STARS)
- Event execution and logistics
- Instruction, mentoring, and public speaking
Highlights
Top Credentials
- FAA Part 141 Certified Private Pilot
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- US Air Force JROTC Flight Academy Scholarship Recipient (Purdue University)
I focus on preparation, safety, and repeatable execution - not just collecting credentials.
Selective Recognition
- CCSD & GA CTAE Talent Spotlight Speaker - Georgia Governor's Workforce Summit
- CyberPatriot XV National Finals - Placed 8th
- National JROTC All-Service Aerial Drone Championship - Placed 2nd
STARS - Community STEM Outreach
What STARS is
STARS (Service-oriented Technology, Aviation, and Robotics for Scholars) is a student-led outreach program I founded to make aviation and technology approachable through hands-on learning. Sessions are built to be safe, engaging, and repeatable, with clear learning goals and strong station flow.
What a session looks like
- Quick safety brief and expectations
- Hands-on stations (drones, flight, robotics, cybersecurity)
- Short debrief connecting concepts to real careers
- Take-home pathways to keep learning
Modules I've built and led
- Drone fundamentals and safe operating practices
- Aerodynamics basics: lift, drag, stability, control
- Flight simulation and aviation workflow
- Robotics fundamentals and iterative improvement
- Cybersecurity fundamentals (age-appropriate)
Interested in hosting STARS? Email me with your organization, preferred dates, student age range, and module interests.
Projects & Applied Work
UAS Operations + Competitive Systems
Competitive drone work taught me how to create repeatable processes: preflight planning, controlled testing, post-flight review, and clean documentation. I'm comfortable working within constraints and improving performance through disciplined iteration.
- Mission planning and compliance mindset
- Autonomy concepts and repeatability
- Systems thinking: hardware + software + human factors
Cybersecurity Fundamentals
Cybersecurity rewards the same traits aviation demands: discipline, accountability, and clear thinking under pressure. I've applied foundational concepts in competition and coursework environments focused on practical problem solving.
- Security policy and basic forensics concepts
- Network challenge environments and risk identification
- Clear communication and documentation
Technical Skills Snapshot
- Python, Linux, and Windows environments
- Object-oriented programming (Java)
- Security fundamentals: policy, forensics concepts, and secure practices
- Independent learning: generative AI and machine learning basics
Education
Etowah High School
Aug 2024 - Present
- AP coursework in progress: Physics (Algebra-based), Computer Science A, Calculus AB, English Literature & Composition
- Completed: Chemistry, Pre-Calculus, Computer Science Principles, Language Arts
Dual Enrollment
- Chattahoochee Tech: Intro to Law & Ethics; Information Security Fundamentals (and related coursework)
- Purdue University: JROTC Ground School (Summer 2025)
- Georgia Military College: Intro to American Government
Affiliations
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Experimental Aircraft Association
Mentor/Mentee Program
Selected Achievements
- CCSD & GA CTAE Talent Spotlight Speaker - Georgia Governor's Workforce Summit
- FAA Part 141 Certified Private Pilot (PPL)
- FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
- CyberPatriot XV National Finals - Placed 8th
- National JROTC All-Service Aerial Drone Championship - Placed 2nd
- Selected & Attended UNG National Intelligence Summer Academy (NISA)
- VEX Robotics Team earned an invitation to Nationals
I keep this page curated for quick scanning. For a full resume, references, or a detailed portfolio, feel free to reach out.
What I'm Working On
Near-term
- Continuing disciplined aviation training and study
- Expanding STARS delivery with consistent quality and strong safety practices
- Deepening technical skill in UAS systems and cybersecurity fundamentals
Long-term
- Professional flight with a focus on safe, standardized operations
- Aviation policy and general aviation advocacy
- Technology-enabled systems that improve safety and access
Contact
Best ways to reach me
- Email: kcspellacy@gmail.com
- Phone: (470) 692-1851
- LinkedIn: keaton-spellacy
Open to internships, mentorship conversations, speaking opportunities, and STARS partnerships.
Quick note
If you're reaching out about STARS, include the school/organization name, preferred dates, student age range, and the topics you're interested in (aviation, drones, robotics, cybersecurity). I'll respond with a simple plan and what we need on-site.