On May 10, 2018, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced Virginia had been selected as one of 10 applicants to participate in its Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program. The UAS Integration Pilot Program is an opportunity for state, local, and tribal governments to partner with private sector entities, such as UAS operators or manufacturers, to accelerate safe UAS integration.
Williams Mullen attorney Kevin Pomfret, who also serves as the executive director of the Unmanned Systems Association of Virginia (USAV), was quoted in a USAV press release announcing the decision.
"With our skilled workforce, top research universities, proximity to air, land and sea testing areas, and our business-friendly environment, the Commonwealth of Virginia has emerged as a leader in the unmanned systems space. Today’s announcement demonstrates that the FAA sees Virginia as an ideal partner in this opportunity to ultimately accelerate drone integration into the national airspace system. The members of the Unmanned Systems Association of Virginia applaud the FAA’s selection and look forward to advancing UAS integration.”
To read the full press release, click here.
For more on the FAA UAS Integration Pilot Program, click here.