 Representative
Shelley Hughes, who co-chairs the legislative task force for
unmanned aircraft systems, is pleased by today’s announcement
that the University of Alaska was chosen by the Federal Aviation
Administration to be one of six unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)
research and test sites.
“I am encouraged by the benefits of this industry coming to our
great state as we embark on this new endeavor in the world of
aviation,” Hughes, R-Palmer, said.
Hughes congratulated the University of Alaska Fairbanks for
being selected and pointed out the timeliness of the task
force’s work.
“Our members have diligently been reviewing the state’s
responsibility regarding privacy concerns, and we’ll be bringing
forward recommendations to the legislature to provide a
safeguard to the public,” Hughes said. “Alaska continues to be a
leader in aviation, and this is the next wave. It makes sense to
use UAS for the dull, dirty, and dangerous tasks.”
“The University is both honored and challenged with this
selection,” Ro Bailey, Deputy Director, Alaska Center for
Unmanned Aircraft Systems at UAF, said. “The benefits for the
state, for its citizens, for business and technology, and for
the nation are exciting and potentially very dramatic.”
The University proposal contained a diverse set of test site
range locations in seven climatic zones as well as geographic
diversity with test site range locations in Hawaii and Oregon.
The research plan includes the development of a set of standards
for unmanned aircraft categories, state monitoring and
navigation. Alaska also plans to work on safety standards for
UAS operations.
Five other states were selected for testing this technology
around the country: Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas, and
Virginia.
For more information, contact Rep. Hughes’ office at (907)
376-3725. |
