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FAA Seeks Public
Input On UAS Test Site Selection By Bill Goldston |
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March 8, 2012 - The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) on Wednesday asked for public input on the
agency's selection process for six unmanned aircraft
system (UAS) test sites. Once the pilot program is
established, the agency expects it will provide valuable
data to help the FAA safely and efficiently integrate
UAS into the same airspace with manned airplanes.
"Unmanned aircraft can help us meet a number of
challenges, from spotting wildfires to assessing natural
disasters," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray
LaHood. "But these test sites will help us ensure that
our high safety standards are maintained as the use of
these aircraft becomes more widespread."
Through the National Defense Authorization Act and the
2012 FAA Reauthorization bill, Congress mandated that
the FAA establish UAS test sites. In order to ensure
that all factors are taken into consideration when
choosing the six sites, the FAA has asked for comments
from the UAS user community and the public at large.
Specifically, the request for comment asks for input on
several important questions, such as public versus
private management of the sites, research activities and
capabilities of the test areas, the requirements for
test site operators, and the geographic and climate
factors that should influence site selection. |
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The
feedback obtained through this transparent process will help the
FAA develop UAS test site requirements, designation standards
and oversight activity. This will help the FAA design the
process and criteria prior to issuing a request for proposals to
select UAS test areas that will allow integration of these
innovative aircraft into the National Airspace System by 2015.
The FAA will accept comments for the next 60 days. |