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Built on a foundation of over 45 years of operational helicopter application experience and 25 years of ground application equipment design across millions of acres, the Surgeon Drone team brings an unparalleled depth of expertise to the industry. Our combined experience in aerospace engineering, electromechanical design, and advanced manufacturing enables us to deliver cutting-edge, reliable solutions for the most demanding environments. With a 140,000 sq ft manufacturing and maintenance facility and service and support locations in three states, we are fully equipped to meet the needs of our clients.


Surgeon Drone was formed through the strategic combination of Summit Helicopters, Horizon Applicators, and RMD Systems, each bringing unique strengths and decades of experience to the table:


- Summit Helicopters: With over 40 years of operational experience, Summit Helicopters is the largest specialty helicopter operator in the Eastern US, providing aerial spraying, fertilization, powerline inspection, air charter, heavy lift, and forest fire fighting services. They operate from a 140,000 sq ft FAA-certified repair station and have maintained longstanding relationships with major institutional landowners, utility companies, and government agencies.


- Horizon Applicators: Founded in 1999, Horizon Applicators is a leader in precision ground application forestry equipment. With 25 years of experience in professional forestry herbicide application across the southeastern US, they have pioneered advanced forestry ground application and mapping systems, supported by a 10,000 sq ft facility in Arcadia, LA.


- RMD Systems: Founded by Brian Riskas, RMD Systems brings 18 years of aerospace and defense experience, including work on high-reliability electromechanical systems for NASA and Raytheon. RMD Systems is known for its innovative designs in unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles, with over 10 issued and pending patents.


This rich blend of experience positions Surgeon Drone as a leader in the industry, ready to deliver innovative, precision-driven solutions across diverse applications. Our extensive expertise in both aerial and ground-based solutions, coupled with advanced manufacturing and responsive service support, ensures that we can meet the evolving needs of our clients with unmatched reliability and performance.

Founding Team:

Chad Geis

Co-Founder/CEO

Geis of Horizon Applicators, with a robust background in forestry applications and a proven track record in pioneering equipment development, offers unparalleled industry insight and innovation to Surgeon Drone. His extensive experience in the forestry sector means he understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing and maintaining vast natural resources. Geis has consistently been at the forefront of technological advancements, creating cutting-edge equipment that not only enhances operational efficiency but also prioritizes sustainability and environmental stewardship. His deep-rooted knowledge and forward-thinking approach are instrumental in driving Surgeon Drone's mission to revolutionize the way we approach precision operations in complex environments. By integrating his expertise, Surgeon Drone is poised to set new standards in the industry, offering advanced solutions that are both effective and eco-friendly.


Brian Riskas

Co-Founder/Design Engineer

Riskas of RMD Systems, a former engineer with extensive experience in leading defense and aerospace projects, brings a wealth of expertise in high-reliability system design to Surgeon Drone. His background in these highly demanding sectors has honed his ability to develop systems that must perform flawlessly under the most challenging and critical conditions. This experience is crucial as Surgeon Drone pushes the boundaries of drone technology, ensuring that their systems are not only cutting-edge but also exceptionally reliable and resilient.


By leveraging Riskas' expertise, Surgeon Drone is well-positioned to lead the industry in technical innovation, offering state-of-the-art drones that excel in precision, reliability, and robustness, even in the most demanding operational scenarios. His contributions are vital to Surgeon Drone's mission to transform complex operations with cutting-edge drone technology, driving advancements that set new benchmarks for performance and reliability.



John Milko

Co-Founder/President

As President of Surgeon Drone, John Milko brings a wealth of industry experience and leadership honed over decades in the aviation sector, including his role at Summit Helicopters, Inc. His deep understanding of complex operations, from aircraft maintenance to aerial applications and fire suppression, ensures that Surgeon Drone operates with the highest standards of precision and safety. Milko’s expertise in managing FAA-certified operations and his commitment to delivering quality work align perfectly with Surgeon Drone’s mission to revolutionize drone technology. Under his leadership, Surgeon Drone benefits from a seasoned perspective on both the technical and operational aspects of aviation. Milko’s vision and experience position Surgeon Drone to excel in providing advanced, reliable solutions to its clients.


Rick Chase

Co-Founder/Operations

As Operations Technical Advisor at Surgeon Drone, Rick Chase brings over four decades of invaluable aviation expertise, cultivated through a distinguished career that includes significant contributions at Summit Helicopters, Inc. Throughout his career, Rick has mastered the intricacies of aviation, gaining deep insights into a wide range of complex operations, including aircraft maintenance, aerial applications, and fire suppression. His hands-on experience in these critical areas has equipped him with the ability to manage and optimize operations with exceptional precision and safety.


In his role at Surgeon Drone, Rick’s extensive knowledge and experience are instrumental in guiding the company as it pioneers new frontiers in drone technology. His ability to navigate the complexities of both traditional aviation and cutting-edge UAV systems ensures that Surgeon Drone operates at the forefront of the industry. Rick’s dedication to excellence, safety, and innovation aligns seamlessly with Surgeon Drone’s mission to revolutionize drone technology, making him an indispensable asset to the team.

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