Unmanned Aircraft Systems, sometimes called drones, are once again in the nation’s spotlight. A Congressional hearing was held Friday in Washington to discuss the progress the drone industry has made in the year since the Federal Aviation Admiration was reformed.
Members of the House Science Oversight Committee spoke to industry experts including FAA and NASA, about how best to implement Unmanned Aircraft Systems, called drones, into U.S. airspace. Congressman Dan Maffei, from New York, said drones are going to be part of the American future.
“Whether we like it or not, for better or for worse, this technology is here, and it’s not going away,”said Maffei.
The FAA was ordered, last year, to incorporate unmanned aerial systems in to US skies by 2015. Officials announced a nationwide search for 6 locations to research drone integration, and Florida is one hopeful site. Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency, has planned a $1.4 million sales pitch for drone research, including plans to use the Kennedy Space Center for testing. The FAA said it will decide on those 6 locations by later this year.
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