The Warm Springs FAA UAS Test Range, which is a member of the Pan Pacific UAS Test Range Complex (PPUTRC), is expanding its operations to the Prineville and Madras Airports in Oregon.

According to Warm Springs FAA Test Range Manager, Liz Stalford, the expansion will go a long way in the Test Range helping UAS clients with future missions.

“The expansion project will allow Warm Springs to support Unmanned Aircraft Systems clients who require an airport for launch and recovery as well as having certified maintenance facilities readily available,” Stalford says.

These airports offer a variety of characteristics including full-length runways, hangars, conference space and pilot lounges, and clients who partner with the Test Range will have expanded access, without the need to coordinate and gain approvals for multiple test sites.

Rob Berg, Madras Airport Manager, says, “we are excited to offer support for the Warm Springs UAS Test Range clients.”

“The Warm Springs Test Range crew has the knowledge and expertise to ensure the safe integration of unmanned aircraft into our airspace and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our community.”

These locations will also offer Designated Airworthiness Representatives, for type certification projects.

Kelly Coffelt, Prineville Airport Manager, says that Prineville is “the ideal proving ground for UAS type certification projects.”