Pair Will Help Guide Integration Of UAS Into The National Air Space

The industry seems to think the FAA made good choices for the executives at the top of its UAV integration team. Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), extended congratulations to Marke “Hoot” Gibson and Earl Lawrence on their appointments to positions at the FAA to guide the agency’s approach to safe, timely and efficient integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into U.S. airspace. Mr. Gibson was named senior advisor on UAS Integration and will report to the FAA deputy administrator. Mr. Lawrence was named director of the UAS Integration Office within the FAA's Aviation Safety organization.

“I am encouraged by the appointments of these two highly qualified public servants to further develop public policy for unmanned aircraft systems. Mr. Gibson’s service in the Air Force and Mr. Lawrence’s experience as director of the FAA Small Airplane Directorate will provide valuable knowledge, perspective, and insight as the commercial UAS industry seeks to get off the ground.

“The appointments of these key positions at the FAA are yet another sign of the growth and importance of our industry in the aviation community. UAS are projected to create more than 100,000 jobs in the first decade following integration into the U.S. airspace, which makes establishing the right regulatory environment where UAS can thrive a priority.
 
“It is our hope that increasing resources and staff focused on UAS will allow the FAA to quickly finalize its anticipated rules on small UAS. AUVSI and its members look forward to working with Mr. Gibson and Mr. Lawrence so that these and future rulemakings safely integrate UAS into the U.S. airspace.”

FMI: www.auvsi.com