State Pressing On Despite Being Passed Over As An FAA Testing Site

The state of Florida will continue to work to attract companies that develop Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) despite being passed over by the FAA as one of six sites where the aircraft will be tested and evaluated for integration into the National Airspace System (NAS).

“While we are disappointed with the FAA’s decision, we fully intend to continue our pursuit of UAS technology development in the state of Florida. We have a range and system architecture that is in place and is being utilized today for test support and UAS operations. We will move forward seeking out and assisting companies and supply chain vendors tied to the UAS industry as they locate and grow in our state – one that will support FAA efforts to incorporate UAS technology into U.S. airspace,” said Space Florida President Frank DiBello (pictured) in a news release.

Florida was among 24 states that submitted proposals to the FAA. The interest from so many states highlights the importance of safe, prudent integration of unmanned systems into the national air space and Florida will continue to support the FAA in that effort.

Florida has a wealth of positive attributes – including a vast network of controlled airspace, simulation and research centers, skilled workforce, UAS curricula in our university systems – that made it a perfect candidate for the test site designation and continue to make Florida and ideal partner. The FAA has indicated that they will continue to work with sites that were not selected but plan to continue supporting the FAA’s integration efforts – Florida is one of those sites.
 
“Much of the country’s UAS industrial growth will occur outside the states selected today. Florida is still in the game. Meanwhile, we will continue to support the FAA and look forward to the significant, positive economic impact to our state that will result from continuing to participate in this effort,” DiBello added.

Florida’s FAA UAS test site offers complete capability in four Florida geographic test areas, representing the Northeast, Northwest, South, and Central sections of the state. These four areas encompass twelve ranges, providing an array of options for safe and effective data collection in support of FAA airspace integration efforts.

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the market for UAS technology could be potentially worth $89 billion over the next decade. There are numerous positive applications for UAS utilization, including (but not limited to): law enforcement, border patrol, military training, search and rescue efforts, disaster relief, crop monitoring, brush fire detection and analysis of weather patterns.

On May 9-11, 2014, Space Florida will host an unmanned systems demonstration at Exploration Park (located at Kennedy Space Center), in conjunction with the AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems) Conference in Orlando.

FMI: www.spaceflorida.gov