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Unmanned Aircraft Systems Safety to be Focus of Hearing

Washington, DC, October 2, 2015 | Justin Harclerode (202) 225-9446
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The Subcommittee on Aviation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), will hold a hearing next week on issues related to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first authorized civil UAS operations in U.S. airspace in 1990.  Recent and rapid advancements in technology have made UAS more accessible and resulted in many new applications across industries.  However, increases in reported UAS sightings by pilots and air traffic controllers have raised safety questions among stakeholders and the public.  This hearing will enable the Subcommittee to better understand the nature and extent of safety issues posed by the growing use of UAS in the national airspace.

The Subcommittee hearing, entitled, “Ensuring Aviation Safety in the Era of Unmanned Aircraft Systems,” is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, in 2167 Rayburn House Office Building.

Witness List:

  • Michael G. Whitaker, Deputy Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration
  • James Hubbard, Deputy Chief, State and Private Forestry, United States Forest Service
  • Captain Tim Canoll, President, Air Line Pilots Association
  • Rich Hanson, Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Academy of Model Aeronautics
  • Dr. Mykel Kochenderfer, Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics

    More information about the hearing, including testimony, additional background information, and link to live webcast will be posted here as it becomes available.

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    Tags: Aviation