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

Over 200 federal, state and local public safety officials attend two-day event dedicated to the adoption and continued integration of drones into public safety operations. (SYRACUSE, NEW YORK) – The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services ( DHSES ) and NUAIR were proud to host the fifth annual New York State Public Safety UAS Summit last week, which drew over 200 public safety officials to the Central New York area. Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, can and are helping state agencies conduct more efficient operations. The first day of the summit was held in the auditorium of Whitesboro High School and included presentations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NUAIR, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and a public safety panel with state and local officials. Day two of the summit, hosted by NUAIR at Griffiss International Airport in Rome included 20 UAS vendors and live demonstrations showcasing the latest technologies designed specifically for public safety operations. “Public safety officials in New York are regularly using UAS for search and rescue, fire investigations, and even for damage assessments following a disaster,” said New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray. “We are going to continue working with our partner agencies and the private sector on embracing this technology so it can enhance the safety of our emergency personnel and aid in their missions moving forward.” DHSES and NUAIR have trained over 2,000 public safety officials in UAS operations at the New York State Preparedness Training Center ( SPTC ) in Oriskany. DHSES offers four UAS operations courses that educate state and local public safety officials, including first responders, on how to integrate drones into their operations: UAS Awareness, Part 107 Preparation, UAS Operations, and UAS Operations at Night. All courses are taught by a team of instructors from the SPTC, NUAIR, New York State Police, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. “ NUAIR and DHSES continue to have a strong working relationship to train and enable the use of drones in public safety operations,” said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart. “It’s great to see our annual public safety summit grow each year and NUAIR helping to be the conduit between state agencies and the UAS industry.” New York has worked hard to establish itself as the nation’s premier destination for drones and related UAS industry businesses in the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions. Since 2016, the state has invested nearly $113 million to supercharge the industry. “This record-setting UAS public safety summit demonstrates how New York State and NUAIR, along with federal, state and local partners, are working together to both optimize industry innovation and to keep New Yorkers safe,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight. “In supporting the growth of UAS, we also support the breadth of its lifesaving potential —congratulations and thank you to all of the officials who have taken part in this year’s event.” New York’s ongoing investment in the targeted industry in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley have also led to private investment as well. In 2018, six companies, including two international firms, committed to creating opportunities in both regions following more than $6.2 million in various state support made available through the UAS Central Job Fund.   ###   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. https://nuair.org About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov .

Increasing the commercial BVLOS area in New York by 300%, NUAIR receives an FAA civil waiver for 240 square miles. SYRACUSE, NY – 14 December 2024 – NUAIR® announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted a Part 107 waiver enabling remote, autonomous beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations throughout a 240 square mile airspace in upstate New York, increasing the commercial BVLOS area in New York by more than 3x or 300%. To capstone a year of growth and development, NUAIR expanded its operations earlier in 2023 creating the NUAIR Center of Excellence headquarters at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The acceptance of this 240 square mile waiver – as well as the Special Flight Operations Certificate approval for Canadian operations in 2023 – gives NUAIR the autonomy to continue offering white glove uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) testing services in the state of New York and beyond. “NUAIR has a commitment to the people of New York to integrate and innovate aviation safely and sustainably in a way that benefits the entire state,” said NUAIR President and CEO, Ken Stewart. “NUAIR’s decade of experience, new opportunity to fully incorporate with daily airport operations, and now this Civil BVLOS Waiver position NUAIR for maximum influence on the traditional and uncrewed aviation industries.” NUAIR’s Center of Excellence at SYR presents the full realization of the NUAIR Alliance, which includes key industry players such as ResilienX, TruWeather Solutions, Aloft, Hidden Level, SRAA, and UFA. This Civil BVLOS Waiver will allow for broader testing of UAS opportunities and pave the way for scalable and replicable results across the globe.   “This BVLOS waiver from the FAA is an important step in proving Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft can safely integrate into the National Airspace System,” said Jason Terreri, Executive Director of Syracuse Regional Airport Authority . “Testing real-world applications of UAS and AAM right here in Central New York showcases the leadership position our region has taken in these efforts.” “We are thrilled to see years of work come to fruition with this waiver,” said Andrew Carter, CTO of ResilienX . “As a startup based in Syracuse, this opens up the aperture from the testing this region is so well known for to progress to the routine commercial operations and use cases that this industry needs to scale. Kudos to the NUAIR team for leading the charge for the region and creating a rising tide effect!” “TruWeather is proud of our association with NUAIR and their groundbreaking achievement in expanding Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight in Central New York,” said Don Berchoff, CEO of TruWeather . “The expansion of the BVLOS airspace provides a great opportunity for users to conduct longer flight tests and collect aircraft performance data in a variety of microclimates, while knowing they have access to the most advanced drone weather services to manage flight risk.” “UFA is pleased to be providing our ATTower Air Traffic Simulator to support the NUAIR Alliance in modeling and visualizing the integration of UAS and AAM into the daily operations of Syracuse Hancock International Airport,” said David Wolff, CEO of UFA, Inc. “We look forward to expanding the use of simulation as the NUAIR Alliance continues testing new procedures, best practices, and UTM concepts.”   To find out more about how NUAIR is defining, enabling, and integrating the future of traditional and uncrewed aviation, visit us at NUAIR.org .   ### About NUAIR® NUAIR® defines, integrates, and enables the future of traditional and uncrewed aviation, so commercial and government organizations can excel at what is Next. With practical guidance from inception to launch, and launch to expansion, NUAIR navigates and defines complex regulations and drives concrete, repeatable results for success that scales. And at the center of a connected ecosystem in aviation technology, NUAIR accelerates Advanced Air Mobility from theory to reality. NUAIR . Where Next Takes Flight.   Media Contact: Megan Crout | Director of Marketing mcrout@nuair.org

250 first responders, public safety, and NY state agents representing over 135 NY departments joined in for the 2024 NYS Public Safety UAS Summit. SYRACUSE, NY – 30 July 2024 – With everything from FAA Liaisons and Deputy Commissioners to demonstrations highlighting drone programs and use cases for first responders, the 2024 NYS Public Safety UAS Summit was a truly high-flying event. On July 23 and 24, 250 public agents from across New York converged on the NYS Fairgrounds for two days of education and up-close engagement with uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”) and technologies that can help them in their everyday work. Day 1 was hosted by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services who brought in an incredible host of speakers to present the latest in UAS news from the FAA and NYS agencies. Attendees heard first-hand about the NYPD’s launch of their Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program including the challenges and opportunities that the program team encountered. Next, the first responders and public agents took in details on UAS and counter UAS preparations for major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concerts, rallies, and more. Day 1 closed out looking at specific case studies for UAS in the management of fires, transit emergencies, and police incidents. Hearing directly from the individuals responsible for the oversight and deployment of these UAS and C-UAS programs provided invaluable insight into ways that this technology can only improve the safety and effectiveness of our public servants. Garrett Gainor, NYSP – one of the speakers from Day 1 – explained, “the technology and capabilities are important, but the know-how to use them and get actionable information to stakeholders is just as critical.” Every attendee left having learned something new about UAS. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said , “The use of UAS is transforming emergency and disaster response and New York State is on the leading edge of this transition.  Bringing together experts from the public and private sector to learn more about best practices and new innovations helps us use this emerging technology as effectively as possible.” Day 2 featured 24 industry vendors that each had a unique UAS-related product, service, or technology to assist public agents. The day was full of up-close and personal opportunities to speak exclusively with these vendors and talk in-depth about how they might be deployed. With representatives from Skydio, Volatus Drones, Omada, Fotokite, and more, attendees spent the day engaging and taking in flight demonstrations of all types of drones and aviation systems. Adding to the incredible lineup of vendors was NYS Canal Corporation who showed up and showed off with their UxS depot featuring multiple aircraft, submersibles, and custom-made small land robotics. Continuing to push innovation, they also brought in their pontoon boat and ATV, both of which used in regular UxS operations. “NUAIR is honored to celebrate the sixth year of the NYS Public Safety UAS Summit with our partner the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services,” said Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR. “With more and more New York State agencies benefiting from the adoption of UAS technology as part of their daily operations helping to keep our communities safe, we’re thrilled that this event has grown to be able to include the NYS Fairgrounds and other local businesses – truly turning into an investment across New York State.”   Jarret Rhyner, UVT Solutions Specialist and one of the Day 2 vendors said, “The Summit allowed us to showcase our service and support options to teams in New York state who are looking to build and develop their sUAV programs. Being able to meet program leaders and officials within the state helped us better understand the needs of these Local and State agencies. In addition to helping educate the community on our DFR and docked solutions, we were able to spend valuable time with our partners and strengthen our partner relationships. We’re thrilled to support these programs and look forward to supporting these agencies in the years to come.” NUAIR and NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services look forward to continuing this tradition of educating, equipping, and training New York first responders and public agents. Keep an eye out for 2025 dates coming soon!     About the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter) or visit dhses.ny.gov .   About NUAIR® NUAIR is a New York-based nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. With guidance from inception to acceleration, we help you deliver advanced UAS commercial outcomes and build your aviation ecosystem on a proven network of systems from incubators to investors and customers to partners. Understand the harmonization needed to innovate airspace, advance aviation, and architect AAM in your community from theory to reality with our team of experts. With a rich history of 10+ years performing UAS testing and validation, investing in local and state economic development, and training public safety elite, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. (NUAIR) is proud to be the catalyst to not only New York’s airspace innovation, but aviation advancement around the globe. NUAIR . Where Next Takes Flight.     Media Contact: Megan Crout | Director of Marketing mcrout@nuair.org

After 18 months of rigorous validation and testing and countless hours running simulations and obtaining approvals, NUAIR and New York Power Authority (NYPA) are proud to deploy UAS remote operations technology to assist with vegetation management, tower inspections, and site security at the upstate hydroelectric power plant in Gilboa, NY. SYRACUSE, NY – 17 September 2024 – In 2022, NUAIR unpackaged a newly released UAS dock from Skydio that would enable regular remote operations without manual interference. The dock was acquired on behalf of the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to test and validate the operations and functionality of the hardware and uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) inside, and to investigate the impact of 24/7 weather exposure in Central New York to the dock and its components. Questions to answer during this testing included: “Will the dock and aircraft inside be able to operate at the same level of proficiency and safety on day 100 as it did on day 1?” “How many hours per day/per week could this save in inspection and reaction times?” “How will heat, ice, fog, etc. impact the daily operations of the aircraft?” “Can it be trusted to run the anticipated mission day after day operated remotely beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)?” The outcome of these questions is evidenced by the installation of said dock and UAS at the Blenheim-Gilboa project site in July 2024. A foggy day with zero visibility met the NUAIR, Skydio, and NYPA teams in Gilboa on the day of the installation – a day that was not a problem for a UAS with a robust navigational system to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and in variable conditions.     The Blenheim-Gilboa Power Project is located about 60 miles from Albany and uses hydroelectric technology to generate up to 1,160,000 kilowatts of electricity to feed power to the grid at times of peak demand. The addition of remotely operated BVLOS drone operations at this power site adds another notch in the NYPA Robotics team’s belt. With this additional tool in NYPA’s belt, safety to both the power site and its personnel has increased. Efficiency with inspection time increased through safer, faster, and more detailed inspections completed remotely with the local UAS. Critical hours spent assessing and prioritizing repairs and management now expedited through routine detailed analysis. “We’re thrilled to see the hard work and dedication of both the NUAIR and NYPA teams come to fruition,” said Nate Bazydlo, Director of Strategic Accounts at NUAIR. “NYPA continues to prove its leadership in innovation through this latest deployment of remote UAS and NUAIR is grateful to collaborate to enable these operations.” “From here, we measure impact,” shared Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR. “Working with NYPA to prove out the safety and efficiency, was the first step. Now we get to truly start to witness how much this can improve operations.” NYPA is no stranger to drone programs with an in-house team of UAS pilots deploying, researching, and testing new applications every day. “The goal of our team as well as any UAS operation, is to innovate the safety and efficiency of operations while maintaining high standards of aviation professionalism and safety,” shared NYPA Robotics Program Manager Peter Kalaitzidis. NYPA is the largest state public power organization in the nation, operating 17 generating facilities and more than 1,550 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 80 percent of the electricity NYPA produces is clean renewable hydropower.     About the New York Power Authority The New York Power Authority is the nation’s largest state public power organization, with 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines. More than 70 percent of the electricity we produce is clean renewable hydropower. NYPA is a leader in promoting energy efficiency, new energy technologies and electric transportation initiatives. Our lower-cost power production and electricity purchases support hundreds of thousands of jobs throughout the state. Our business customers range from Fortune 100 giants competing in international markets to small manufacturing or service firms that are vital to local economies. We sell power to government agencies; to community-owned electric systems and rural electric cooperatives; to job-producing companies; to private utilities for resale—without profit—to their customers; and to neighboring states, under federal requirements. For more information, visit www.nypa.gov .   About NUAIR® NUAIR is a New York-based nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. With guidance from inception to acceleration, we help you deliver advanced UAS commercial outcomes and build your aviation ecosystem on a proven network of systems from incubators to investors and customers to partners. Understand the harmonization needed to innovate airspace, advance aviation, and architect AAM in your community from theory to reality with our team of experts. With a rich history of 10+ years performing UAS testing and validation, investing in local and state economic development, and training public safety elite, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. (NUAIR) is proud to be the catalyst to not only New York’s airspace innovation, but aviation advancement around the globe. NUAIR . Where Next Takes Flight.     Media Contact: Megan Crout | Director of Marketing mcrout@nuair.org

Central New York welcomes Assemblymembers Magnarelli, Hunter, and Stirpe along with key partners and industry leaders for the ribbon cutting of NUAIR’s new headquarters in Syracuse Hancock International Airport. SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – 31 October 2024 – Just outside the glass doors of Terminal A at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, NUAIR’s newly established headquarters sits immediately next to the NUAIR Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility. The Center of Excellence offers visitors a glimpse into the future of transportation with Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft and features a stack of technology partners based in New York, the collaborative ecosystem provides the tools for uncrewed traffic management as well as airspace visibility and safety for uncrewed flight operations and manned aviation. The new facility was made possible thanks to the continued support of Governor Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development . Her administration remains laser-focused on ensuring the uncrewed system sector’s continued evolution in Central New York and statewide. Yesterday, the Center of Excellence was celebrated with the official ribbon cutting of NUAIR’s new headquarters inside Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The event was attended by distinguished Assemblymembers Magnarelli, Hunter, and Stirpe as well as other representatives from New York, NUAIR Board and Alliance members, key executives, industry partners, and local media, highlighting Syracuse’s emergence as a hub for next-generation aviation and mobility.   Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Supporting the innovative technologies and emerging industries that are creating the jobs of tomorrow is at the heart of ESD’s mission. Together with NUAIR, we are laser-focused on elevating the UAS industry in Central New York and the Mohawk Valley. The NUAIR Center of Excellence for Advanced Air Mobility represents yet another major milestone that will help to ensure the uncrewed system sector’s continued growth in New York State.” “If we think Micron is going to be a great industry for Central New York – and it is, no question about it – but this is unbelievable and the things it can do are unbelievable” shared NY State Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli . “This is happening now. It’s not 100 years from now… it’s happening now.” “Our young people should be really excited about what we have going on here,” said NY State Assemblymember Pam Hunter . ““As we’re talking about engineering and Micron and where people can go, NUAIR is here right now. [They’re] right here. Right now. We want young people to be able to see that this is the future.” “NUAIR and CNY has become the center of the universe for UAS! It was exciting to witness their new facility at the Syracuse Airport and hear of the amazing work they’re doing for agencies around the world,” shared NY State Assemblyman Al Stirpe . “Congratulations to everyone involved in deciding that Unmanned Aerial Systems was an industry to focus on and invest in years ago. Your vision is becoming a reality.” Syracuse Hancock International Airport, a Central New York landmark for over 75 years, began its service to the region in September 1979 with the opening of Clarence E. Hancock Airport. Since then, the airport has fostered aviation innovation, including partnerships with military and government agencies, and remains dedicated to safe, cutting-edge operations. “Opening our headquarters in the Syracuse Hancock International Airport just makes sense,” says Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR . “Our team works with the next generation of uncrewed and electric aircraft and is developing the platform to safely integrate them into the national airspace… what better place to work than in an airport that has had military drones like the MQ-9 Reaper taking off autonomously for years? We’re honored that many of our partners and legislature are here to celebrate this occasion and continue to recognize the innovation in Central New York.”     The official ribbon cutting is merely the latest achievement of years of development in mobility and aviation in the Central New York region. After a few words, guests had the opportunity to tour NUAIR’s Center of Excellence: one of the most advanced uncrewed traffic management platforms featuring integrated technology from the NUAIR Alliance. Not only does it include live ATC data, low-altitude flight detection and monitoring, and microweather service, but the Center of Excellence also hosts a Live Simulated Virtual Construct where testing and validating virtual case studies can be processed to safely prove viability of aircraft with real-time traffic data. In this Construct, SRAA is able to provide a 3D display of the airport layout plan that incorporates AAM and UAS infrastructure in future builds and showcases the investment in the future of aviation and mobility taking root here in Central New York. The Virtual Construct also features a detailed view of New York City’s airspace and is used in conjunction with next generation aircraft to test out AAM integration in the urban setting. “We are at an incredible time in Central New York’s history as we have assumed a leadership position in proving Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft can safely, securely, and efficiently integrate into the National Airspace System,” said Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Jason Terreri. “We are proud to partner with NUAIR to remain on the cutting edge of these efforts and are excited to see how they positively impact the way we move people and goods throughout Central New York and beyond!” The celebration underscores the collaborative efforts in the Greater Syracuse region to establish a world-leading UAS and AAM ecosystem, pioneering technologies that will revolutionize transportation, enhance public safety, and drive economic growth. As Ken Stewart remarked, “this truly is a Community of Excellence” .     About SRAA The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) operates Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) serving Upstate New York, providing a safe, convenient, seamless passenger experience while enhancing economic opportunity, development, and growth in the region. Established on August 17, 2011, the SRAA officially took over operations of the airport from the City of Syracuse on March 1, 2014. The SRAA’s vision is for SYR to be recognized as a best-in-class airport elevating the customer experience and exceeding stakeholder expectations, while using innovative technology and optimizing the economic prosperity of the region we serve.   About NUAIR® NUAIR is a New York-based nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. With guidance from inception to acceleration, we help you deliver advanced UAS commercial outcomes and build your aviation ecosystem on a proven network of systems from incubators to investors and customers to partners. Understand the harmonization needed to innovate airspace, advance aviation, and architect AAM in your community from theory to reality with our team of experts. With a rich history of 10+ years performing UAS testing and validation, investing in local and state economic development, and training public safety elite, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. (NUAIR) is proud to be the catalyst to not only New York’s airspace innovation, but aviation advancement around the globe. NUAIR . Where Next Takes Flight.     Media Contacts: Megan Crout | Director of Marketing | NUAIR mcrout@nuair.org   Media Inquiries Email | SRAA MediaInquiries@syrairport.org

Recognizing the collective contributions of 306 companies and organizations to the growth and vibrancy of the Central New York economy, NUAIR is proud to join the 2024 CenterState CEO Economic Champions.

"What’s happening in that NUAIR office, one floor above baggage claim, is helping lead the development of a multibillion-dollar national drone industry, which seeks to revolutionize everything from transportation and shipping to safety and security to farming and agriculture to construction and environmental monitoring..."

For the third consecutive year, Ken Stewart and NUAIR named in City & State New York's Transportation Power 100.

As the summer sun beckons us outdoors, drone enthusiasts everywhere are ready to take to the skies, capturing breathtaking views and enjoying the thrill of flight. But with this excitement comes the responsibility to ensure that our aerial actions are both safe and legal. Whether you’re a seasoned pilot or a newcomer eager to explore the world from above, here are 5 summer drone safety tips that are essential to remember.   1. Keep an eye on the temperature. Rising temps mean many things both for you and your aircraft. From the electronics and sensors to batteries and props, all of the components on your drone have to work harder when the air heats up. Some video transmitters will stop working when overheated and batteries are also at risk of suffering permanent damage if their temperatures get too high. So, keep your flight times short and concise. Plan for frequent breaks and cool down times between sorties. Be careful of overheated batteries or motors when handling the aircraft. And never leave your drone or batteries in a hot car.   2. Be wary of moisture. Ever noticed how your glasses might fog up when you leave air conditioning to go outside in the summer? That’s about how it works with any other kind of closed space… including camera lenses and internal equipment. Give your aircraft time to adjust to temperature changes to avoid moisture condensation and take note of humidity levels to determine when is good to fly.   3. Stand out and away from crowds and events. Everyone wants to get outside to enjoy the nice weather and, most of the time, the crowds are also right where you want to be! Not only are they potentially in the way of your flight path, but they also might be interested in what you are doing. Remember that you are always responsible for the safe handling and flight of your drone. Understand your drone’s flight path, speed, battery drain, etc. and keep distractions to a minimum. Follow all  FAA Guidelines for Operations Over People  and be sure to always keep safety as the top priority.   4. Your safety is key. What is more important than the drone? The operator, of course! Make sure to take care of yourself when out flying in the heat. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and be sure to wear appropriate gear (hats and moisture-wicking clothes are a must). Always keep a safety kit with your gear and be sure to add in sunscreen, bug spray, and ice packs to help stay comfortable during the summer months. While sunglasses are important for eye safety, make sure that they never impede your ability to keep an eye on your aircraft or have a clear view of your controller screen.   5. Don’t skimp on filters. A good tool to have year-round, but especially during the summer when there is more time in the day to take advantage of the sunlight, neutral density (ND) filters can help capture the clearest shot or help deliver on the artistic effect you are hoping for. For those extra sunny days, be sure to use an ND16 or higher or consider a polarizing filter. Since manufacturers can vary – be sure to test out your different filters before committing to a shot! The goal is to have the clearest filter  for  your drone, so you can have the clearest picture  from  your drone.   By following these 5 summer drone safety tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your warm weather adventures to the fullest. Keeping an eye on temperature, being mindful of moisture, steering clear of crowds, prioritizing personal safety, and using the right filters are all critical to ensure your flights are smooth and trouble-free. So, gear up, stay safe, and let your drone soar to new heights this summer! To never miss a beat on the latest news and blogs, follow us on Social Media and  Subscribe to our email list !

While much of the discussion around the Central New York economy has been centered on semiconductor giant Micron opening a new plant outside of Syracuse, the unmanned aerial system, or drone, industry and the growing advanced air mobility industry have been cementing themselves as key parts of the region’s economic ecosystem.

In a world where technology continually pushes boundaries, the sky is no longer the limit. As uncrewed aircraft navigate our airspace, safety must always remain a priority. At NUAIR, we are committed to ensuring that where innovation takes flight, safety is of paramount importance. In the ever-expanding skies where innovation knows no bounds, our journey into the realm of uncrewed aviation is both thrilling and transformative. As we mark  Drone Safety Day  this weekend, it is not only a day to reflect on the advancements of technology but also to celebrate the heroes who navigate this frontier with diligence and care – our responsible and safe UAS pilots. But being a drone pilot goes beyond just operating a machine; it requires a deep understanding of regulations, protocols, and best practices. One of the integral members of the NUAIR team, Russell Holland is a seasoned drone pilot at NUAIR and here provides additional insights into the daily rigor of operations. Discussing one of his most challenging flights—a 50-mile journey beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) from Syracuse Airport to Griffiss in Rome, NY—he explains, “as with all flights, everything is based on a safety culture. Planning took place over the course of years, requiring permissions for BVLOS flights in each area and only after extensive testing of radars to ensure no conflict with general aviation flights.” This meticulous approach to planning and execution underscores the depth of commitment to safety at NUAIR. Reflecting on his comprehensive training with NUAIR, Russell notes, “a lot of what we do is experimental, but all is approached with a ‘crawl, walk, run’ philosophy that minimizes risk.” When asked about handling unexpected situations like sudden weather changes, Russell states, “whether weather or equipment malfunctions, there is always a Plan B… and usually C and D as well. They may include an alternate flight plan, taking manual control of an automated flight, landing in place, or even terminating the flight and losing the drone if that is the only way to ensure safety.” Russell also contributes valuable insights into the technological advances enhancing safety in drone operations. He notes, “optical sensors have made a big difference in safety, especially for indoor flights. In-flight pilot point-of-view cameras keep improving with huge increases in telephoto clarity, and thermal imaging has added a great deal of capability and new uses for drones.” These technological advancements play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards and expanding the possibilities for drone application.   But safety culture also has to come from the top of an organization. Tony Basile is NUAIR’s Chief of Flight Operations and holds a long-standing commitment to safety. “Every project commences with a comprehensive safety review,” Tony shares. “This entails assessing pilot credentials, scrutinizing the UAS operator manual, and analyzing flight profiles and designated airspace. Prior to each flight, a thorough pre-flight briefing engages all personnel.” In the face of complex environments, safety remains paramount. Tony highlights this ethos, affirming, “Safety is the cornerstone. If any aspect—crew, drone, or weather—poses risk, the NUAIR Mission Commander will veto the flight.” He reflects on past challenges, often weather-related, underscoring the need for constant vigilance. In one instance, during a large FAA project amid snow showers, meticulous monitoring and consultation ensured that safety prevailed. Through Tony’s insights, we glimpse the unwavering dedication of NUAIR’s pilot corps, where safety is not just a priority but an uncompromisable commitment. As a commercial pilot, the role of technology in enhancing safety during drone operations is paramount, according to Tony and he highlights the significant contributions of technology in making the industry safer. “Items such as geo-fencing keep drones within desired parameters, agile frequency hopping aids in cyber security, and the use of multiple motors reduces the risk of engine failure,” Tony explains. He emphasizes the importance of these innovations in mitigating risks and ensuring the safe operation of drones in various environments.   Scott Brenton (callsign Gripper), Chief Safety Officer at NUAIR, also stresses the importance of leadership in promoting a culture of safety among drone operators and enthusiasts. He emphasizes that effective safety programs require strong commitment from top leaders, who set the tone and lead by example. Gripper highlights the direct reporting line to the CEO as a key aspect of NUAIR’s safety culture, enabling open communication and swift decision-making. He emphasizes the importance of fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice concerns without fear of retribution, ultimately ensuring a highly professional level of safety throughout the organization. Gripper encapsulates this by stating, “Promoting a safety culture starts at the top. The leader must honestly believe that safety is a common core principle of organizational success, and must communicate that, support it, and keep an eye on it.” He adds, “NUAIR propels visionary action, accelerating change and manifesting visionary results. NUAIR leads with the vision of where ‘NEXT’ takes flight.”   As we reflect on the journey of drone safety, it’s clear that the skies are not just a realm of innovation but also a testament to the unwavering commitment of responsible pilots and the collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders. As we celebrate  Drone Safety Day 2024 , let us reaffirm our dedication to fostering a culture of safety, where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand, ensuring that our skies remain safe for generations to come.