Oregon applies for FAA program integrating drones into airspace
The Oregon Department of Aviation announced Monday it has applied to take part in a new U.S. Federal Aviation Administration program to accelerate the safe integration of unmanned aerial systems into the national airspace.
The FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program provides opportunities for governments to work with industry and policy stakeholders to test different regulatory approaches and technological solutions to enable advanced drone operations.
These include operations at night, flights over people, automated flights, and flights that are beyond the line of sight of the remote pilots, the news release announcing the application said.
Solutions developed through the UAS IPP will help accelerate beneficial applications such as drone delivery, search and rescue operations, wildlife surveys, and accident scene reconstruction.
Leveraging Oregon’s three UAS test ranges, Oregon’s concept envisions a technology and policy framework that supports business innovation, accelerates job creation, preserves and enhances the safety of the airspace, supports law enforcement, and creates shared jurisdiction over appropriate regions of the airspace. Oregon’s approach balances state and federal interests and addresses the privacy and due process concerns of stakeholders.
“The state of Oregon has been a leader in the field unmanned aircraft,” said Mitch Swecker, director of the state aviation agency, which provides infrastructure, financial resources, and expertise to ensure a safe and efficient air transportation system.
“The state has been at the forefront of creating balanced UAS legislation, and has created an environment that attracts UAS businesses to Oregon. The three established UAS test ranges are a testament to Oregon’s commitment. That means jobs and economic development throughout our state.”
In applying for the UAS IPP, ODA has brought together experts in the field of UAS including Intel, Insitu, Skyward, Oregon State University and other industry leaders, along with policy experts to help create the framework. The technology framework will work on integrating an electronic license plate system for drones with an automated state-wide air traffic control system.
Five of the experts participated in the 2017 FAA UAS Remote ID and Tracking Aviation Rulemaking Committee and have a deep understanding of the technologies involved. The members of the UAS Workgroup, including ACLU, law enforcement and Oregon Department of Justice, advising the Oregon joint House and Senate Judiciary Committee will help develop the complementary policy framework.
