UAS Test Site

The Federal Aviation Administration has cleared the way for the University of Alaska Fairbanks to conduct wildlife research using small unmanned aerial systems at its official UAS test site in Fairbanks, AK, according to an agency press release.

The FAA granted the university a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization, allowing the institution to use small Aeryon Scouts for animal surveys at its Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex, according to a school statement.

The Fairbanks range is one of six FAA-approved UAS test sites, selected last December to help the agency develop regulations to govern the use of unmanned aircraft. FAA is under pressure from civilian, military and industry operators of unmanned aircraft to develop rules governing the safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System, which is seen as the key to unlocking greater investment in unmanned platforms.

The university's Fairbanks range is the second test site to be declared operational, trailing just behind North Dakota’s Northern Plains UAS Test Site, which became operational in April.

An FAA spokesman, speaking on the condition on anonymity, told InsideDefense.com on May 5 that the biggest hurdle to safe UAS integration is the development of sense-and-avoid technology, lost link procedures and standards for certifying pilots.

According to the press release, the University of Alaska Fairbanks test site includes a number of ranges in a diverse set of locations and climatic zones, giving FAA a wealth of data to support the development of appropriate safety regulations and standards.

FAA expects to post a draft rule for small UAS later this year.