In partnership with N.C. Emergency Management, the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Division of Aviation UAS Program Office is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a statewide UAS Working Group that includes local, state and federal governments, and the private sector.

According to NCDOT, the goal of the UAS Working Group is to “establish a partnership where government and private sector partners can forge strong relationships by sharing best practices and training for disasters and other emergencies.”

NCDOT’s role in the UAS Working Group is to help N.C. Emergency Management on transportation and infrastructure issues, as well as using the department’s experience with UAS operations.

This effort was launched during a meeting in Manteo, North Carolina in April. Members cover the gamut of government and the private sector, including representatives from NCDOT, N.C. Emergency Management, FEMA, the Federal Aviation Authority, Office of the State Fire Marshal, the N.C. Community College System and the N.C. Public Safety Drone Academy, as well as local law enforcement and fire departments.

The next phase of this effort, NCDOT says, will involve meetings with private sector operators.