Coming to a Site Near You: Unmanned Aircraft Systems Testing

On February 14, the FAA released its information request for unmanned aircraft system (UAS) research and test sites, under which the FAA is seekings proposals for the development and operation of six test sites to be used to conduct research regarding the integration of UAS's into the national airspace system, which Congress has mandated by 2015. Despite lingering privacy concerns, the FAA's proposal to move ahead with test sites is likely to grab the attention of both traditional aircraft and avionics manufacturers seeking new markets and also other industries that may be affected by the emergence of civilian UAS's, including agriculture, oil and gas exploration, law enforcement, and security.