Meet 9 Line Flight Systems Expert
Brian Layhew
Owner & Founder
Brian, founder of 9 Line Aerial Media, is a retired U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant who brings not just heart, but over 23 years of aviation, leadership, and mission-critical expertise to every project. As a service-disabled veteran, Brian channeled his entrepreneurial drive to grow 9 Line from a single-aircraft operation into a multi-platform geospatial solutions provider trusted by municipalities, engineering firms, and construction leaders across the region.
Precision is at the core of Brian’s approach. He applies the discipline, accuracy, and risk management honed in his military career to every aspect of commercial and government aerial mapping. As a hands-on owner, Brian partners closely with clients from project kickoff through final deliverables, ensuring clear communication, accountability, and rapid response at every stage.
A firm believer in ongoing education and transparency, Brian delivers presentations and one-on-one support to help clients fully understand and leverage the power of geospatial data. As a technology-focused innovator, he brings deep expertise in photogrammetry, LiDAR, GIS workflows, and advanced construction documentation. Above all, Brian is purpose-driven and dedicated to improving community infrastructure, supporting public works, and delivering next-generation data capabilities to local government and industry partners.
About 9 Line Aerial Media
9 Line Aerial Media is the parent company of 9 Line Flight Systems, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in high-accuracy aerial mapping, LiDAR scanning, and GIS-ready data for government agencies, engineering firms, and infrastructure organizations. Built on military principles of integrity, precision, and reliability, our mission is to modernize the way teams gather, analyze, and leverage geospatial information.
With over 200 successful projects completed across Illinois and the Chicago suburbs, we have earned the trust of leading engineering firms such as Christopher B. Burke Engineering and Airy's Inc., as well as numerous municipalities that depend on us for municipal planning, roadway updates, environmental analysis, and construction documentation. Through our Atlas10 partnership, we are experts in PCI inspections, providing pavement condition assessments and long-term maintenance forecasting that empower agencies to plan smarter and stretch their budgets further.
Our comprehensive deliverables include CAD and MicroStation linework, DEM and TIN surfaces, 2D and 3D models, elevation maps, orthomosaics, and seamless GIS integration. Every product is delivered with survey-grade accuracy, supporting applications like cut and fill calculations, ADA compliance inspections, utility mapping, stockpile volume measurement, and detailed site design.
We operate with advanced UAS platforms, including blue/green-approved systems, Wingtra fixed-wing mapping tools, LiDAR payloads, RTK and PPK workflows, and a parachute recovery system that allows access to 98 percent of U.S. airspace. What truly sets us apart is speed: we typically deliver completed maps, models, or PCI reports within just one and a half to two weeks after data collection.
Fully insured up to five million dollars, FAA Part 107 certified, and SAM.gov registered, we are ready to support your next project with the professionalism and precision you expect and deserve.
What makes us different?
What sets us apart is simple. We are not just a dealer; we are genuine end users. We rely on Wingtra systems every day for our own work, so you get advice and support from people who truly know the product inside and out. That is a big advantage compared to dealing with a sales rep who may have only seen the gear at a demo once or twice.
We know how frustrating it is when distributors treat you like just another order, dropping equipment off and wishing you luck. That is not how we operate. We are Wingtra experts, and most dealers cannot honestly say the same. We take the time to get to know you and learn what you actually need so you never waste time or money.
From the moment your Wingtra arrives, we provide hands-on training and real support. We are here to answer your questions, help you get in the air, and make sure you start seeing a return on your investment right away.