Will Discuss Integration Of UAVs Into The NAS

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) will conduct a forum on UAS and the States during EAA’s 2016 AirVenture which runs next week beginning on Monday, July 25th.

The hour-long forum will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 28th in Forum Tent #10 and feature speakers from the states of Kansas, Virginia and South Carolina – all states with active UAS programs. Greg Principato, NASAO President, will introduce and moderate the panel.

Kansas recently hired a 22-year U.S. Air Force veteran to be Kansas' first Director of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Bob Brock, a Pittsburgh native who retired from the Air Force as a lieutenant colonel, will oversee the establishment of policy and procedures for the operation of UAS, or drones, in Kansas. During his Air Force career, Brock gained experience in UAS operations and training. He also served as a flight safety officer and instructor pilot. Kansas Division of Aviation Director, Merrill Atwater, will introduce Brock and share the vision for UAS in their state.

The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission recently received multiple Certificates of Authorization (COA) from the FAA for operating UAS in the airport environment for the purpose of gathering data on the state's airports. James Stephens, Executive Director, will share details on their program and the challenges of the COA application process.

The State of Virginia is not only one of the six UAS test sites identified by the FAA, but has been very proactive in evaluating and embracing opportunities to utilize UAS. Randall P. Burdette, Director of the Virginia Department of Aviation and Chair of NASAO’s UAS Committee will report on UAS activities in Virginia and provide an overview of UAS activities from across the country.

(Source: NASAO news release)

FMI: www.nasao.org