About Scott Painter

Scott Painter is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Pilot of Birds Eye Aerial Drones, LLC (BEAD), a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) established in 2014. With over 26 years in naval aviation and 30+ years total aviation experience, Scott delivers unmatched expertise in manned and unmanned aerial systems.

A U.S. Navy veteran and retired Chief Petty Officer (AEC, E-7), Scott served as an in-flight engineer on S-3 Viking and E-2C Hawkeye aircraft aboard carriers. Post-Navy, he supported unmanned systems in Afghanistan as a senior field engineer with Lockheed Martin.

Scott founded BEAD to provide compliant, mission-critical drone services for infrastructure, utilities, public safety, and engineering clients. He holds a BS in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2008), an MBA in Aviation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2018), FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, Private Pilot ratings, and complex/high-performance endorsements.

Military Service

U.S. Navy (1987–2011)
Final Rank: Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AEC, E-7)
Primary Specialty: In-flight Engineer – S-3 Viking & E-2C Hawkeye aircraft aboard carriers
Sea Service: 8+ years
Honorable Discharge; Transferred to Fleet Reserve

Awards & Decorations

Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3)
Good Conduct Medal (6)
Navy Unit Commendation (2)
Meritorious Unit Commendation
Navy “E” Ribbon (5)
National Defense Service Medal (2)
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2)
Southwest Asia Service Medal
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary & Service Medals
Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (6)
NATO Medal
Expert Rifle & Pistol Medals
Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist

Education & Certifications

MBA in Aviation, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (2018)
BS in Aviation Management, Southern Illinois University Carbondale (2008)
FAA Private Pilot – Airplane Single Engine Land (2006)
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Private Pilot Complex/High Performance Ratings

Key Achievements & Leadership

Philanthropic Council Member, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, College of Aviation
Board Member, Gillespie Field Development Council (GFDC)
2025 SDBJ Veteran Leader of Influence Honoree
2025 SDBJ Leader of Influence in Technology
2025 Business of the Year, City of El Cajon (County of San Diego)
2024 SDBJ Leader of Influence in Technology
2024 East County Honors Award Winner – Veteran-Owned Business (City of La Mesa)
2023 VECA VALOR Award Honoree – Veteran-Owned Medium Business
Multiple federal, state, and local recognitions for veteran support and community service

Scott Painter

Through Birds Eye Aerial Drones, Scott advances safe, innovative UAS solutions for public safety, government, and commercial clients. Contact for training, consulting, or custom drone services.

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