State Politicians Cheer as Feds Choose Alaska as Drone Testing Site

By Associated Press. The Federal Aviation Administration announced six states on Monday that will develop test sites for drones, a critical next step for the unmanned aircraft’s march into U.S. skies.

The agency said Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia as states that will host research sites.

Drones have been mainly used by the military, but governments, businesses, farmers and others are making plans to join the market. Many universities are starting or expanding drone programs.

“These test sites will give us valuable information about how best to ensure the safe introduction of this advanced technology into our nation’s skies,” Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.

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State Political Leaders Welcome Drones to Alaska

By News Editor. The Miami Herald reported yesterday that, “News that Alaska has been chosen as a test site for the integration of drones into U.S. airspace is being welcomed by state political leaders.”

The article goes on to cite Senator Mark Begich and Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell as champions of the program with Begich praising the drone program’s jobs and its “new mission to the University of Alaska system.” The University of Alaska was apparently selected as a test site operator for the Alaska drone program.