Who we are
Victor Lee & Associates, Inc. (VLA) is a US-based advisory firm specializing in unmanned aircraft systems, backed by in-house manufacturing and systems integration capabilities and deep roots in manned aviation operations, helicopter services, and broadcast aerial production. Founded in 2006 and incorporated in North Carolina in 2008, VLA maintains operational offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, the New York Tri-State area, and Southern California, supported by engineering partnerships in New Zealand and an established UAS professional network across Europe.
For two decades, VLA has supported commercial, governmental, and emergency response organizations worldwide—providing custom UAS design, regulatory strategy, and expert consultation in both manned and unmanned aircraft operations. Our commitment to advanced aerial safety standards, high-performance avionics, and rigorous engineering sets us apart in a rapidly evolving industry.
Company Qualifications
Quality Management
VLA operates under a documented internal Quality Management System (QMS) encompassing design review, manufacturing inspection, flight-test validation, and post-delivery support.
Information Security & Data Handling
VLA maintains IT controls aligned with industry best practices, including encrypted communications, access-controlled project environments, and secure storage for client technical data. Data handling procedures address GDPR requirements for EU clients, including lawful basis for processing, data minimization, and defined retention periods. Incident response procedures are documented and reviewed annually.
Operational Safety
All VLA operations are governed by a Safety Management System (SMS) that includes hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation protocols for every mission. Our pilot training program—through which we have certified over 80 operators across eight countries—follows a structured curriculum covering regulatory compliance, emergency procedures, and platform-specific proficiency. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are documented for each platform type and operational environment.
VLA works with companies that need heavy-lift and specialty UAS to operate legally, safely, and at scale: aircraft manufacturers entering the US market, broadcasters and studios, and venues building permanent aerial capability. Engagements run from regulatory feasibility through production-ready deliverables.
Certifications & Authorizations
Company-Level Authorizations
FAA Section 44807 Exemptions: 88 lbs / 40 kg, 131 lbs / 59 kg, and 219 lbs / 99 kg MTOW
FCC Equipment licensing and authorization Program Management
NDAA Section 848 and Blue UAS Compliance Advisory
ITAR/EAR awareness and export-controlled technology handling experience
Pilot Level Credentials
Line pilots operating under VLA's authorizations hold the following individual certificates. Every flight is crewed by a pilot credentialed for the jurisdiction and aircraft class involved.
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
FAA Part 61 Private Pilot Certificate (Manned Aircraft)
Transport Canada Remote Pilot Certificate — Basic & Advanced Operations
EASA Remote Pilot Certificates (A1/A3, A2), issued by ENAC (Italy) and the IAA (Ireland)
UK CAA BNUC-S Remote Pilot Certificate (legacy)