The federal government announced on Aug. 2, 2016, additional steps it is taking to support the integration of unmanned aircraft into civilian airspace. The announcement was part of a Workshop on Drones and the Future of Aviation, held by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.
A fact sheet released by the White House detailing the recent federal government advancements made toward UAS integration also highlights state investments that support the industry. It specifically mentions North Dakota and Grand Sky’s role in becoming the first site in the nation where beyond line of sight (BLOS) flights could be conducted:
“The Northern Plains UAS Test Site in North Dakota will conduct beyond visual line of sight UAS flights from the Grand Sky business and aviation park, an innovative Enhanced Use Lease between Grand Forks Air Force Base and Grand Forks County that has enabled private developers to open the Nation’s first drone business park of its kind. Pending FAA airspace authorization, these flights will go from the surface to 29,000 feet without a chase aircraft and support the integration of heavier, faster UAS that can operate at higher altitudes.”
The ability to conduct beyond visual line of sight flights is a crucial next step for the entire UAS industry, but particularly for larger unmanned aircraft, which are capable of flying at higher altitudes and for longer periods of time. Grand Sky is currently the only UAS park in the nation that is fully operational and features the amenities necessary to accommodate the launch and recovery of large UAS. On July 28, 2016, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., an anchor tenant at the park, celebrated the start of large UAS flights at Grand Sky, utilizing the park’s agreement with Grand Forks Air Force Base to launch and recover its Predator A aircraft.
The White House also addressed a number of public-private projects, including Google’s Project Wing, which is focused on creating a method to deliver packages by drone, and the need to test beyond line of sight. Project Wing will conduct research at one of the six FAA UAS Test Sites, the White House said.
GeekWire reported on Project Wing’s plans, and the crucial role BLOS capabilities will play in that project as well as other drone delivery projects:
“If the FAA gives the go-ahead, beyond-line-of-sight flights will be conducted at North Dakota’s Grand Sky business and aviation park, the White House said. Amazon, meanwhile, will be working with the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority to conduct beyond-line-of-sight flights in rural and suburban areas of Britain.
Beyond-line-of-sight operation, sensing and avoiding obstacles, airspace management and drone fleet operations are among the key requirements for drone deliveries, whether by Amazon Prime Air, Project Wing or other services. Even the U.S. Postal Service is thinking about getting involved in the drone delivery business, the White House said.”
