Jennifer Sertl and NUAIR's President & CEO Ken Stewart discuss the future of work, future of governance and future of safety in the emerging UAS market.

New civil authority provides path for scalable, commercial UAS operations. (SYRACUSE, NEW YORK) –  Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. recently announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted the New York Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site at Griffiss International Airport new civil authority to advance the research, development, and commercialization of UAS (drone) operations. The test site can now operate drones weighing under 300 pounds throughout New York’s 50-mile drone corridor and be compensated for operations. The New York UAS Test Site is one of seven FAA-designated test sites in the country and the FAA found that New York has the necessary infrastructure in place to support safe UAS operations under civil authority. “This new FAA designation removes some previous restrictions making it easier to test larger drones,” Picente said. “Our test site is already the global leader for UAS research and development, and now, we will be able to test more advanced operations and be financially compensated for it. This is great news for Oneida County, our partners at the Test Site and for the businesses and agencies who use our facility to advance the industry.” The test site has been operating under a different authority called public aircraft operations (PAO) for the last decade for research and development and other core governmental functions. The new civil authority (Waiver 44803c) “Charlie Waiver” covers New York’s 50-mile beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAS corridor connecting Griffiss and Syracuse Hancock International airports, opening the door for scalable, commercial operations. “NUAIR is focused on unlocking the drone economy for the state of New York,” said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart. “This new civil authority will help draw more clients to the Test Site who are focused on commercial outcomes, and we look forward to helping them scale their operations.” New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor covers class G, E, D, and C airspace and is integrated with the air traffic control towers of both Griffiss and Syracuse Hancock International Airports, safely allowing both crewed and uncrewed aircraft to share airspace. The corridor draws global companies to the region to develop their UAS and advanced air mobility (AAM) operations. “Commercial drones have so many societal benefits – from enhancing national security, to promoting efficiencies in the broader marketplace,” said Lisa Ellman, partner at Hogan Lovells LLP and Executive Director of the Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA). “Issuance of this new authority to the New York UAS Test Site not only bodes well for New York, but also helps accelerate the UAS and AAM industries as a whole.” NUAIR manages the New York UAS Test Site on behalf of Oneida County, has conducted over 5,000 test flights over the past decade and completed multiple projects with the FAA and NASA to advance the UAS and AAM industries. This new waiver, combined with Central New York’s Tech Cluster – a culmination of like-minded organizations working together to advance the latest UAS and internet of things (IoT) technologies for the economic vitality of Central New York, further positions New York as the prime destination for commercial UAS and AAM development. Oneida County Release: https://ocgov.net/news/oneida-countys-uas-test-site-receives-new-faa-flight-authority/   ###   About NUAIR As a trusted and credible service provider, NUAIR is ushering in the next generation of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions for the safety, societal, and economic benefit of New York State and beyond. NUAIR is a New York-based nonprofit, manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, Rome, NY on behalf of Oneida County, and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY. https://nuair.org

"We have one of the most significant test sites in the world run by NUAIR..."' Congressman Brandon Williams briefs the Science Space and Technology committee on the UAS & AAM work NUAIR is conducting in Central New York.

SMART Grants Program Recognizes Projects that Improve Transportation Efficiency and Safety Drone Program Used for Inspections, Data Collection and Documentation “The use of drone technology in transportation provides exciting opportunities to improve infrastructure and increase effectiveness of inspections, data collection and more,” Thruway Authority Interim Executive Director Frank Hoare said. “We would like to thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing this innovative project with the SMART Grant, and we look forward to the continued progress of the Authority’s UAS drone program.”

Corridor will support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft capable of transporting commercial cargo and people. (SYRACUSE, NEW YORK) – VPorts , a Québec-based world leader in the design, construction, and operation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure, announces the creation of the first international electric AAM corridor between Syracuse Hancock International Airport (New York, U.S.) and VPorts’ vertiport in Mirabel (Québec, Canada). This corridor will foster the establishment of an AAM ecosystem that will provide a platform for full commercial cargo transport operations using electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft (large, helicopter-sized “drones”). The first eVTOL aircraft test flights are planned for 2023. A consortium of international organizations including VPorts, NUAIR , Syracuse Hancock International Airport , Aéro Montréal, Innovitech, the Unmanned Aerial System Centre of Excellence (Alma), and Helijet International, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish international electric AAM corridors between Québec (Canada) and the United States. “The aim of the corridors is to build an AAM ecosystem that will provide a platform for full commercial cargo transport operations using eVTOLs,” said Dr. Fethi Chebil, President and Founder of VPorts. “They will allow the consortium’s members to explore all aspects of AAM, including goods transportation, charging readiness, stakeholder management, business cases, security and safety protocols, social acceptability and urban integration of infrastructure and operations. Many companies and organizations rapidly investing in these related new capabilities are present in Central New York State today with good prospects of growth, and others are likely to be attracted to the region.” New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced that the state will be providing NUAIR with an additional $21 million in “Central New York Rising” Upstate Revitalization Initiative funding that will allow NUAIR to continue to cultivate the world-leading uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and AAM industry hub in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. The additional funding will allow for critical infrastructure to be tested and deployed to enable advanced industry applications, state agency adoption of UAS, AAM development, and associated workforce development. NUAIR continues to be an industry catalyst due to its unique capabilities, years of experience, and proven safety record through thousands of advanced UAS operations. “New York’s state-of-the-art drone corridor further elevates our global leadership in this evolving market for cutting-edge UAS technology,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “Our ongoing investment and focus on drone and advanced air mobility corridor operations will continue to strengthen and grow the statewide economy, especially in the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions, for generations to come.” A recent study by NEXA Capital estimates that the full expansion of UAS and AAM-related industries to Central New York could create over 8,100 full-time jobs by 2040, while incrementally generating over $1.3 billion in direct, indirect, and induced economic benefits. This includes direct effects of investment in the region of up to $130 million, the indirect effects of household earnings of workers, and the induced effects of value-added benefits and additional industry earnings. This impact on the region will produce jobs for an emerging knowledge-based economic sector, with highly skilled workers sourced in part by existing New York State university institutions. “There are currently over 5,000 underutilized regional airports throughout the United States,” said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart. “The development of this international AAM corridor between Syracuse, NY and Montreal will help lay the foundation for regional air mobility (RAM) operations for those underutilized airports, assisting with cargo deliveries and strengthening United States supply chains. NUAIR will build on the foundation of it’s 50-mile UAS Corridor, and UAS traffic management (UTM) systems and our work with NASA on Vertiport Automation Systems to integrate this next generation aircraft into America’s National Airspace System.” Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) aspires to reconnect communities who have been previously cut off from economic opportunities due to a lack of traditional transportation infrastructure. Becoming a partner in creating the AAM corridor will allow underserved communities a new transportation alternative that will reconnect those communities and provide additional economic opportunities to its members. “The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA), operator of Syracuse Hancock International Airport, is proud to take part in the creation of an international electric AAM corridor,” said SRAA Executive Director Jason Terreri. “This undertaking, which will sustainably connect communities in Upstate New York and beyond, firmly aligns with the SRAA’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the electrification of transportation-related technology at SYR. SYR is one of the first airports in the U.S. to include UAS/AAM infrastructure planning as part of its Master Plan.”. The project stakeholders intend to work closely and proactively with Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to leverage their respective expertise and regulatory authority to foster the implementation of an international framework that tests relevant technology, regulatory alignment and air traffic procedures and management.   ###     About VPorts VPorts is leading the way by shaping the future development of safe advanced air mobility based on sustainable infrastructure. It aims to build and operate 1,500 vertiports across five continents by 2045. Its infrastructure will be integrated into local and global air mobility ecosystems by adopting a responsible approach, centralizing its operations and leveraging the most advanced technology. VPorts’ head office is located in Mirabel, Québec. About NUAIR NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a New York-based nonprofit with a mission to safely integrate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace, enabling scalable, economically viable commercial drone operations. NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, Rome, NY on behalf of Oneida County and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY. https://nuair.org About Syracuse Hancock International Airport As the major transportation center in central New York, Syracuse Hancock International Airport provides nonstop or direct service to 29 markets. The airport is the first and last impression for many visitors, and our team works hard every day to serve the traveling public with air travel that is safe, secure, convenient, and affordable. We recognize that the communities we serve need convenient, low-cost, nonstop/direct air service to key markets and destinations. We continue to pursue new air service opportunities including new markets, more frequency, additional capacity, and better aircraft while seeking to promote our region as one of the largest markets in Upstate New York.

Corridor will support electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft capable of transporting commercial cargo and people.

FAA UTM Field Test project will test new capabilities and proposed standards that support complex, high-volume drone flights throughout diverse environments. (ROME, NEW YORK) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a task order contract to the New York UAS Test Site (NYUASTS) for the next uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drone) integration project to help advance the reality of safe, high-volume drone operations, and the development of a UAS traffic management (UTM) system. The UTM Field Test (UFT) project will be managed by NUAIR on behalf of the NYUASTS located in Oneida County, NY and conducted within the 50-Mile Drone Corridor between Rome and Syracuse. The project will provide the FAA and industry with information to support policy development and will help industry update standards to support beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations – a critical element in unlocking the true potential of routine, commercial drone operations. The need for drone operators to safely utilize low altitude airspace (below 400 feet above ground level) continues to grow with more business cases where drones operate both in visual line-of-sight and beyond visual line-of-sight. The FAA recognizes the benefits of supporting these more complex drone operations at low altitudes safely, equitably, and efficiently and continues to collaborate with industry through projects like the UFT to improve UTM and other enabling technologies. “Oneida County’s UAS Test Site has been leading the way for industry research and development, and being awarded this project validates the fine work being done by NUAIR and our partners,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We are honored to be selected to conduct this important testing that will advance the technology to greater heights, and we thank the FAA for this opportunity.” NUAIR and the FAA kicked off the UFT project in July with the goal of completing the project by spring of 2023. Project team partners include ANRA Technologies, AX Enterprize, Cal Analytics, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Oneida Indian Nation, and OneSky. Each of these partners were selected based on their leadership in UTM technology and their willingness to continue to progress the state of the technology. The partners are an essential part of conducting the testing necessary to evaluate the ability of new constructs to enhance the capabilities of UTM for future operations. Test infrastructure updated through field testing activities will allow for the continued collaboration between the FAA and UTM community and support the maturation of a UTM ecosystem. NUAIR was founded as a not-for-profit organization in 2012 to manage the NYUASTS, one of the seven FAA-designated UAS Test Sites in the United States, focused on supporting the development and safe integration of UAS into the national airspace system. The NYUASTS is the only test site located at a towered airport (Griffiss International), is covered by low altitude authorization and notification capability (LAANC) and surrounded by Class D airspace. NUAIR has helped develop New York’s 50-Mile Drone Corridor and has conducted over 4,000 drone operations since its inception, supporting safe, efficient, and economically viable drone operations. “NUAIR continues to have a close relationship with the FAA to help develop and test the policies and regulations needed for safe, advanced UAS operations,” said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart. “NUAIR, with our array of assets in New York, have the capabilities, expertise and real-world environments needed to prove out the elements outlined within this project, and once again we look forward to helping the FAA and industry realize the goal of routine commercial UAS operations.” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The advancements that are happening at the New York UAS Test Site by NUAIR and their partners have continuously kept New York State at the forefront of advanced drone research and development. This newest project with the FAA will help further position New York as a global leader in the drone industry, which will attract new investment and opportunity to the state.”   ###   About NUAIR NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a New York-based nonprofit with a mission to safely integrate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace, enabling scalable, economically viable commercial drone operations. NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, Rome, NY on behalf of Oneida County and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY. https://nuair.org

Annual ASTM International meeting brings together international leaders in the uncrewed systems industry to collaborate and develop UAS standards. (ROME, NEW YORK) – NUAIR will host the June meeting of ASTM International’s unmanned aircraft committee (F38) at the New York UAS Test Site in Rome, NY, June 1 through June 3. The meeting will bring together up to 100 international industry leaders in the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) industry focused on developing industry standards to advance the integration of UAS into the national airspace. ASTM’s F38 committee addresses issues related to design, performance, quality acceptance tests, and safety monitoring for unmanned air vehicle systems. Stakeholders include manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components, federal agencies, design professionals, professional societies, maintenance professionals, trade associations, financial organizations, and academia. Over 600 members are involved in this multinational initiative: all participating actively within a three-tiered subcommittee structure focusing on airworthiness, flight operations, and operator qualifications. “NUAIR has had an active voice in ASTM International and many other UAS standards organizations for years, helping to develop the standards needed for safe, commercial drone operations,” said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart. “We are looking forward to hosting and taking part in the next ASTM International meeting at the New York UAS Test Site.” “Oneida County is happy to host ASTM International’s annual meeting at our UAS Test Site at Griffiss,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We welcome the industry leaders whose cutting-edge development is advancing the integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace. We are proud to conduct the research at our site that is aiding in their efforts to revolutionize the capabilities of drone delivery.” One key standard that NUAIR has helped ASTM International establish was the small UAS Parachute Recovery Systems Standard (ASTM F3322-18) . NUAIR has validated multiple parachute recovery systems on multiple drone platforms since the standard was published in late 2018. Having an sUAS parachute recovery system validated to the ASTM standard opens a wide range of commercial opportunities for companies by enhancing their safety case with the FAA when applying for their waiver to fly over people.   ###   About NUAIR NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a New York-based nonprofit with a mission to safely integrate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace, enabling scalable, economically viable commercial drone operations. NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, Rome, NY on behalf of Oneida County and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY. https://nuair.org About ASTM ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. ASTM International’s mission is to meet global societal needs and positively impact public health and safety, consumer confidence and overall quality of life by integrating consensus standards, developed with international membership of volunteer technical experts, and innovative services.

NUAIR and New York UAS Test Site receive authority to fly drones 35 miles BVLOS within New York’s 50-mile drone corridor. (SYRACUSE, NEW YORK)  –  NUAIR  and the New York UAS Test Site have received authority from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) across 35 miles of airspace within New York’s 50-mile Drone Corridor. Current regulations require drone operators to always have a pair of eyes on the drone, limiting the ability to fly long distances. The ability to safely fly BVLOS is the key to unlocking the full potential and economic advantage of routine commercial drone operations like medical and package deliveries. In 2019, NUAIR and the Test Site received their first BVLOS authority for an eight-by-four mile stretch of airspace from the New York UAS Test Site, at  Griffiss International Airport , south to the  State Preparedness Training Center  in Oriskany. This new airspace authority extends west of Griffiss towards Oneida Lake increasing their overall BVLOS airspace to 35 miles. “Oneida County’s Test Site at Griffiss International Airport has long established itself as an elite hub for all things UAS,”  said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr.  “The one-of-a-kind testing, research and development that occurs here is elevating the entire industry. This latest FAA authorization will allow our 50-mile drone corridor to push the limits of what is possible yet again, and we look forward to the new advancements that will result.” “We have a long track record of safe UAS test flights and real-life implementation, including BVLOS operations,”  said NUAIR chief of operations Tony Basile.  “This new BVLOS airspace authorization will allow us to test more advanced, long-range flights and help us prove BVLOS operations can be done safely – the key component in realizing the true economic advantage of commercial drone operations.” NUAIR will utilize the ground-based surveillance systems (GBSS) installed throughout the corridor to monitor air traffic and detect intruder aircraft for BVLOS operations that are taking place at or below 400 feet. Visual observers may also be deployed during BVLOS operations to assure safety of operations. Empire State Development acting commissioner and president & CEO-designate Hope Knight said , “Supporting innovative technology that is creating the jobs of tomorrow is at the heart of what ESD and the New York State Regional Economic Development Councils are designed to do. By continuing to support the growing UAS industry in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley, we are ensuring its continued development in New York State, securing our place as a global leader in this emerging business.” NUAIR has conducted over 3,800 UAS test flights at the New York UAS Test Site, within New York’s 50-mile Drone Corridor, equating to more than 950 flight hours since operations began in 2014. This new authorization will help advance the reality of routine commercial drone operations and continue to draw companies from across the globe to Central New York and the Mohawk Valley regions.   ###   About NUAIR NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a New York-based nonprofit with a mission to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace, enabling scalable, economically viable commercial drone operations. NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, Rome, NY on behalf of Oneida County and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY.  https://nuair.org

New York State Thruway Authority to launch drone pilot program with NUAIR for safe, cost effective bridge & infrastructure inspections.

Governor Hochul Announces New York's 50-Mile Drone Corridor to install nation's first 5G UAS test range. MITRE Engenuity Open Generation & NUAIR.

New York public safety officials receive hands on training and witness live demos of the latest drone technologies and techniques to help save lives. (SYRACUSE, NY)  – On July 28 and 29,  NUAIR  and the  New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES)  held a two-day unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) Summit for New York State public safety officials. The UAS Summit showcased the latest UAS or drone technologies available to first responders and NY State agencies and gave participants the ability to fly mock disaster scenarios. More than 120 public safety officials and 13 UAS companies participated in the summit which took place at the  State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC)  in Oriskany, NY on day one and day two being held at  Griffiss International Airport  in Rome, NY. “We have a great partnership with The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services,”  said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart.  “With our combined efforts of NUAIR and Oneida County, coupled with two world-class facilities, for UAS, Griffiss and the SPTC, we continue to enable New York State and local agencies, helping them implement safe, regulatory compliant and efficient drone operations to help them save time, money and lives.” The first day of the UAS Summit held at the SPTC provided ample opportunities for learning and sharing best practices. The morning session featured presentations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NUAIR, which provided important updates on topics of interest to Summit attendees. The Summit also included a panel discussion on Building an Effective Public Safety UAS Program and case studies highlighting relevant use-cases of UAS operations. The first afternoon of the Summit gave UAS pilots hands-on opportunities to test their skills in a variety of response scenarios and provided a great backdrop for the day ahead. “DHSES is honored to host the third annual UAS Summit at the State Preparedness Training Center this year,”  said Patrick Murphy, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  “This event brings federal, state, and local public safety professionals together to have meaningful conversations and share best practices on safe UAS operation. We thank NUAIR for partnering with us on this important event.” The second day was held at Griffiss International Airport at the  New York UAS Test Site , one of only seven FAA-designated UAS test sites in the country. The hangar was filled with multiple vendors showcasing the latest drone technologies specifically designed for state agencies, public safety and first responders. Throughout the day each vendor conducted a live demonstration of their technology or service including different types of drones, scanning software, drones with a loud “bullhorn” speaker, “drone-in-a-box” solutions, live-streaming, and counter UAS technology. Most of the agencies in attendance have their own drone units and are currently utilizing drones in many applications, including emergency response, search and rescue, and infrastructure inspection. The goal of day two was to showcase the latest UAS technologies that could help them improve the efficiency of their operations and help save lives. Vendors in attendance included: AeroDefense, Autel, Cal Analytics, Drone Responders, Empire Drone, FIRST iZ, FLYMOTION, Fotokite, NSION, Preparedness Advisors, Skydio, and WhiteFox Defense. “The New York UAS Test Site in Oneida County is emerging as the center for UAS command and control testing and development, for companies from around the world. We were proud to partner with NUAIR and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to showcase the site for first responders from around the state,”  said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. “I’m grateful to NUAIR and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services hosting the UAS Summit,”  said Rep. John Katko (NY-24).  “Technologies showcased at the summit demonstrated how UAS technology can be effectively deployed by first responders and public safety officials in responding to disasters and other crisis situations. NUAIR continues to make exciting advancements in UAS technology that will save time, money, and lives. In Congress, I’ve been a steadfast advocate for NUAIR and The New York UAS Test Site and will continue working to help our region grow as a hub for UAS research.” The New York State Public Safety UAS Summit is part of NUAIR’s NYFLY program which supports the NYS DHSES and all New York State and local agencies exploring the use of drones for critical missions and daily operations. NYFLY is one of NUAIR’s core initiatives to help New York State and local agencies integrate scalable drone operations with the highest level of safety, are regulatory compliant, and make daily operations more efficient. NUAIR has helped over 20 agencies implement their drone programs and are actively seeking to help more.   ###   About NUAIR NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides expertise in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, aeronautical research, safety management and consulting services. NUAIR is responsible for the continued advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor and Advanced Air Mobility Proving Grounds, facilitating beyond visual line of sight testing and commercial drone operations. Headquartered in Syracuse, NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, NY, responsible to the FAA and NASA to conduct operations for UAS and advanced air mobility testing. Visit  www.nuair.org  to learn more.