FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 25, 2017
Contact: Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786

AUVSI Statement on Announcement of Presidential Memorandum for UAS Integration Pilot Program

ARLINGTON, Va. – Brian Wynne, president and CEO of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), today issued the following statement on the announcement by the White House of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program:

“The creation of this pilot program represents an opportunity for state, local, and tribal governments, along with the UAS industry, to collaborate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to further develop a federal policy framework for integrating UAS into the skies above communities across the nation. More and more businesses are embracing UAS to expand and enhance their product and service offerings. This growing demand illustrates a new renaissance in aviation and technology, which will require sustained collaboration and support by government at all levels.

“The pilot program will offer a data-driven approach to allow for expanded UAS operations, including beyond line of sight, and UAS traffic management concepts. It will also provide a mechanism for state, local and tribal officials to contribute their views to the UAS policy framework, without infringing on the U.S. government’s jurisdiction over the national airspace. Maintaining federal authority of the airspace will help foster innovation and allow states, municipalities and tribes to tap into the full potential of UAS, while continuing to keep our skies safe.”

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About AUVSI
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) — the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of unmanned systems and robotics — represents more than 7,500 members from more than 60 countries involved in the fields of government, industry and academia. AUVSI members work in the defense, civil and commercial markets. For more information, visit AUVSI.org.