The Story
My name is Nicklas Hendershot. I'm the operator behind AeroPulse CAS, and I started this because of something that happened in January 1997 — something I've carried ever since.
My little brother, Joe, was two years old. He went missing from our home in minutes. He was found a very short time later in our family pond. I was four years old standing nearby. I knew what had happened. I just didn't have the words for it yet.
I still don't, really.
A piece of me went with Joe that day. I watched my parents carry something no parent should ever have to carry. And I never forgot what that helplessness felt like — the silence, the chaos, the feeling that there was nothing left to do.
AeroPulse CAS is my answer to that feeling. I'm an FAA Part 107–certified UAS operator with thermal and high-resolution visual capability, and every flight I run is driven by one belief: that faster coverage, better information, and one more resource on scene can change the outcome. It won't always. But it might. And that's enough for me.
For Joe.
Community Air Service
AeroPulse CAS exists to support first responders, emergency management teams, and communities across North Alabama and Southern Middle Tennessee when a search gets hard.
We're not here to replace anyone. Local first responders do incredible, difficult work — and they will always lead. Our role is to integrate as an aerial resource: covering ground faster, improving situational awareness over difficult terrain, and delivering clear, mapped points of interest to a designated point of contact. We respect the chain of command, prioritize airspace deconfliction, and stay out of the way while staying useful.
When operational capacity allows, we also support families searching for missing pets — with the same tools, the same structure, and the same sense of urgency.
CAS flights are always free. No invoices. No questions asked. No matter the time. If someone wants to help keep the program running, donations are welcome — they go toward travel, batteries, equipment wear, and insurance — but the mission always comes first.
This is neighbors helping neighbors. If you're with fire, sheriff's office, or emergency management — or you're a family who needs help — reach out. If we can be there, we will.