Central New York could be part of UAS test site
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: February 22, 2013
Our area could potentially be a part of a region-wide testing site for unmanned aircraft systems.
The Federal Aviation Administration says it will be choosing six of those UAS sites for research.
NUAIR Alliance is applying for one of those sites using the New York and Massachusetts region as an idea test region with Griffiss International Airport as part of that team.
"Griffiss brings a lot to the table," said Robert Knauff, the operating officer for NUAIR. "I don't think anybody who has been out to this airport can doubt that there is a great deal of capability out here."
Knauff says places in the region are centered around air space.
He says they plan to have spaces in places like Fort Drum and Cape Cod.
The Commissioner of The Oneida County Department of Aviation says if the region were to be picked, not only would it be a positive economic impact for Central New York, but the entire site region.
Officials say they hope to know if the site is one of the six by the end of 2013.
The Federal Aviation Administration says it will be choosing six of those UAS sites for research.
NUAIR Alliance is applying for one of those sites using the New York and Massachusetts region as an idea test region with Griffiss International Airport as part of that team.
"Griffiss brings a lot to the table," said Robert Knauff, the operating officer for NUAIR. "I don't think anybody who has been out to this airport can doubt that there is a great deal of capability out here."
Knauff says places in the region are centered around air space.
He says they plan to have spaces in places like Fort Drum and Cape Cod.
The Commissioner of The Oneida County Department of Aviation says if the region were to be picked, not only would it be a positive economic impact for Central New York, but the entire site region.
Officials say they hope to know if the site is one of the six by the end of 2013.
