LAS VEGAS - Federal officials named six states Monday to develop test sites for drones - a critical next step for the burgeoning industry that stands to one day produce thousands of unmanned aircraft for use by businesses, farmers and researchers.
Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia will host the research sites, providing diverse climates, geography and air traffic environment sas the Federal Aviation Administration seeks to safely introduce commercial drones into U.S. airspace.
“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.
Members of Congress and other politicians lobbied intensely to secure the work for their states. Representatives were excited about the likelihood that the testing will draw companies interested in cashing in on the fledgling industry.
An industry-commissioned study has predicted more than 70,000 jobs will develop in the first three years after Congress loosens drone restrictions on U.S. skies. The same study projects an average salary range for a drone pilot between $85,000 and $115,000.
“This is wonderful news for Nevada that creates a huge opportunity for our economy,” said U.S. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nevada. In New York, Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat, called the announcement a boon for his state.
Drones have been used mainly by the military, but governments, businesses, farmers and others are making plans to join the market. Many universities are starting or expanding curriculum involving drones.
Sales of civilian and military drones around the world may reach $89 billion during the next 10 years, according to a forecast by the Teal Group Corp., a Fairfax, Va.-based aerospace research company. Drone-makers include Northrop Grumman Corp., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. and AeroVironment Inc.
Amazon Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bezos recently told CBS’ 60 Minutes that small copters may be able to drop off packages weighing as much as 5 pounds, speeding the delivery of books and other items.
The FAA does not allow commercial 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 the skies above America.
“Today was an important step,” said attorney Ben Gielow of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, noting the announcement came after months of delays and data gathering. “I think we’re all anxious to get this moving.”
There will be almost 250,000 civilian and military drones in the United States by 2035, a study this year from the Transportation Department found. Usage will be sparse at first, growing as technology hurdles are cleared, the study concluded.
Other users aren’t waiting for the FAA. The agency fined Swiss citizen Raphael Pirker $10,000 for flying a model airplane at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville to make a promotional video in 2011. Pirker is challenging the fine, arguing that the FAA has no authority to regulate drones.
The competition for a test site was robust, with 25 entities in 24 states submitting proposals, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said during a conference call with reporters.
At least one of the six sites chosen by the FAA will be up and running within 180 days, while the others are expected to come online in quick succession, he said. However, the designation as a test site doesn’t come with a financial award from the government.
Earning the FAA endorsement for a test site also isn’t a guarantee that local economic development will follow, said William Miller, a professor emeritus at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
Many factors - including local labor laws, proximity to investors, and the social and political climate - have to be present before a test facility will spawn another version of California’s Silicon Valley, said Miller, who has studied entrepreneurs and the regions where they’ve blossomed.
“If there isn’t a good set of conditions, the companies don’t thrive. They often move elsewhere,” he said.
In choosing Alaska, the FAA cited a diverse set of test site locations in seven climatic zones. New York’s site at Griffiss International Airport will look into integrating drones into the congested Northeast airspace. And Nevada offered proximity to military aircraft from several bases, Huerta said.
The extent that lobbying influenced the selection of the sites was unclear.
“Politics likely always plays a role in some level in this, but I couldn’t tell you specifically what the politics were,” said Brendan Schulman, part of a New York City-based law group focused on drone issues. “Part of the selection … is an evaluation of the dedication and seriousness the sites were showing in pursuing this.”
The testing will determine whether drones can detect and avoid aircraft and other obstacles, and if they can operate safety when they lose contact with operators.
The growing use of drones has prompted criticism among conservatives and liberals who fear the creation of a surveillance state in which authorities track and scrutinize citizens’ every move.
“I just don’t like the concept of drones flying over barbecues in New York to see whether you have a Big Gulp in your backyard or whether you are separating out your recyclables according to the city mandates,” said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., referring to a New York City ban on supersize soft drinks.
Paul has introduced a bill that would prohibit drones from checking for criminal or regulatory violations without a warrant.
Huerta said his agency is sensitive to privacy concerns involving drones. Test sites must have a written plan for data use and retention, and will be required to conduct an annual review of privacy practices with a public comment component.
That policy provided little comfort for the American Civil Liberties Union.
“Someday drones will be commonplace in U.S. skies and, before that happens, it’s imperative that Congress enact strong, nationwide privacy rules,” ACLU attorney Catherine Crump said in a statement.
Information for this article was contributed by Michelle Rindels, Dave Kolpack and Chris Carola of The Associated Press, and by Alan Levin and David Mildenberg of Bloomberg News.
Front Section, Pages 1 on 12/31/2013