WASHINGTON – U.S. Transportation
Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the N.C. Department of
Transportation has been selected as one of only 10 participants in the Federal
Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, or ‘drones’)
Integration Pilot Program, an initiative that will shape the future of drones in
America.
“We are looking forward to helping today’s winners unlock the
enormous potential of drone operations, which will create new services and jobs
in their local communities,” said Secretary Chao.
The primary focus of NCDOT’s proposal isworking with global drone
delivery companies, such as Zipline, Matternet and Flytrex to set up a network
of medical distribution centers that can use drones to make medical deliveries.
These companies currently operate overseas.
Blood and other supplies currently travel by courier to hospitals
and testing facilities. With drones, medical providers would get the test
results and supplies they need much faster.
NCDOT has also partnered with existing UAS software companies like
AirMap and Raleigh-based PrecisionHawk to develop Unmanned Traffic Management
systems that track drones as they fly.
“North Carolina has always been on the forefront of aviation
innovation and now is a national leader in drone safety education and use,” said
Chief Deputy Secretary David Howard, who attended the announcement on behalf of
NCDOT. “Being selected for this program will allow us to learn more about how
drones can safely be used in new ways to help our citizens.”
The UAS Integration Pilot Programis an opportunity for state, local
and tribal governments to partner with private sector entities, such as UAS
operators or manufacturers, to accelerate safe UAS integration.
The program is expected to foster a meaningful dialogue on the
balance between local and national interests related to UAS integration, and
provide actionable information to the U.S. Department of Transportation
regarding the expanded and universal integration of UAS into the National
Airspace System.
NCDOT’s Division of Aviation will host a media availability on
Friday, May 11, from 1-2 p.m., at the Division of Aviation Hanger, 1050 Meridian
Dr., Morrisville. Contact James Pearce at (919) 812-1685 or jpearce2@ncdot.govfor more details.