US names six states for drone testing

SIX US states have been earmarked as locations to test drones, government officials announced yesterday.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia would host research sites in a critical next step for the unmanned aircraft’s march into US skies.

Drones have been mainly used by the military, but governments, businesses, farmers and others are making plans to join the market.

“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.

The FAA said when selecting the sites it considered geography, climate, location of ground infrastructure, research needs, airspace use, aviation experience and risk.

The FAA does not allow com- mercial use of drones, but it is working to develop operational guidelines by the end of 2015, although officials concede the project may take longer than expected.

The FAA projects some 7,500 commercial drones could be aloft within five years of getting widespread access to American airspace.

An industry-commissioned study last spring predicted more than 70,000 jobs would develop in the first three years after Congress loosens restrictions.