In today’s interconnected landscape, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies are transforming operations and bridging critical gaps in communication, logistics, and data exchange across borders. We’ve looked at just a few key ways that drones are reshaping industries.   Real-Time Data Transmission UAS offer a significant advantage with their ability to transmit data in real-time, enabling rapid decision-making and seamless coordination across industries like logistics, infrastructure, and emergency response. During natural disasters, drones deliver life-saving data and visual streams to first responders, optimizing rescue efforts. Recently in North Carolina, the devastation and intensity of Hurricane Helene left many stranded or cut-off from critical supplies. The NC Department of Transportation responded by pulling in UAS pilots from across the state to track flood movements and monitor critical infrastructure. More than just the state response, teams from various industry organizations like Skydio, Paladin, and DroneSense joined in to lend a hand with relief efforts and – in a true show of creative innovation – local farmers repurposed their agricultural drones to aid in search and rescue, emergency supply delivery and more . Aerial support was critical in many ways, but the ability to make data-driven decisions from real-time information was essential. In disasters, waiting for this data can quickly cost lives, instead teams were able to ensure: Faster rescues : No delayed guessing where survivors are trapped. Smarter resource moves : Aid goes where it’s needed most, right now. Safer responders : Teams avoid collapsed bridges, flooded roads, or flare-ups.     Expanding Access to Remote Markets In 2019, the World Economic Forum predicted a $15 trillion infrastructure gap  by 2040 without some kind of international collaboration or innovation enablement. Drones have created a new form of transportation by being uniquely equipped to reach remote or underserved regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking. We know that drones can aid in emergency relief and disaster response, but what about where roads never existed in the first place? Companies have used drones to deliver medical supplies to isolated communities, ensuring vital resources are available regardless of location and countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, and Zambia have emerged as successful examples of drone delivery initiatives, especially in healthcare logistics. Simple things such as transferring blood between hospitals becomes a strenuous journey when facing 10 hours on rough terrain; this journey transforms into an easy 3 hours when a drone is introduced as transportation .   Facilitating Strategic Partnerships UAS foster international collaborations and research initiatives in sectors like environmental sustainability, healthcare, and security unlike any other industry. While land and sea can be easily defined by borders, airspace presents a whole new frontier. Not only do governments have to work together on regulation and rules, but public-private partnerships have become essential for technology to be shared, enhanced, and improved. NUAIR partners with states and countries to look at the best roadmap to advanced air mobility and the integration of low altitude airspace – but a key element of our work is the collaboration that is needed. No one in any industry can “do it all” , so leveraging partnerships is critical to providing a holistic solution. The NUAIR Alliance features everything from sensor manufacturers to ADSPS providers to flight planning software and training simulators. We proudly bring together a suite of technology that integrates together to create the system needed for airspace clarity and confidence. Within the industry are plenty of examples of teamwork and innovation coming together to solve problems, but another piece to the partnership puzzle is with regulation. The FAA has catalyzed multiple partnerships like the B4UFLY program facilitating situational awareness for recreational flyers and the LAANC data exchange capability for commercial operations. More recently, the FAA has turned to industry to help test and coordinate Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) programs  and is constantly looking for new ways to lean on the innovation of the industry to drive the market forward.   Informed Decision-Making & Economic Impact Drones are powerful tools for addressing critical challenges in infrastructure and urban mobility, providing actionable data to inform strategic decisions. By deploying advanced UAS technology, agencies like the New York State Transit Authority (NYSTA) collect real-time insights on transit infrastructure health, traffic patterns, and passenger flow. In 2022, NYSTA and NUAIR worked together with a $1.5 Million SMART Grant  to “provide safer inspection workflows, stronger predictive maintenance and a more resilient highway system” t hrough the buildout and strengthening of their UAS technology use. These UAS technology investments helped identify structural vulnerabilities in bridges and rail systems, while predictive analytics derived from collected data helped prioritize maintenance and optimize resource allocation. These efforts enabled NYSTA to align operations with key organizational goals—reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and ensuring systems meet evolving safety and efficiency standards. The success of this Stage 1 SMART Grant not only met project goals, but also led to the realization of over $28 Million in annual savings and the award of a $14.8 Million Stage 2 SMART Grant  to continue and build upon the work completed from Stage 1.     Conclusion Uncrewed Aircraft Systems are not just technological innovations; they are vital components for businesses and industries across the globe. By enabling efficient communication, improving service access, and fostering international collaboration, UAS significantly boost operational efficiency and growth. If any of these use cases inspired ideas on how you and your team could incorporate UAS into your operations, then the right partner is key . Let’s collaborate because the value of these tools lies in the system, and the future lies in integration.

A leap for the uncrewed aviation and advanced air mobility community, NUAIR’s new operational airspace now spans a significant 450 square miles in Central New York. SYRACUSE, NY – March 6, 2025 – From an initial 50-mile narrow corridor in 2016 to a 240 square mile area supporting a wide variety of terrain and infrastructure to now covering 450 square miles in 2025, the opportunities for uncrewed aerial systems (drones), next generation aviation, and advanced air mobility continue to grow exponentially in Central New York. This week, NUAIR received a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) nearly doubling its operational and commercial airspace in the greater Syracuse region.   Now the largest BVLOS airspace in the Northeast United States, NUAIR’s expanded coverage includes key locations significant to several members of the Central New York region. A few include:   Downtown Syracuse:  Innovation leader, Upstate Medical University , has had autonomous ground robotics working in their daily hospital operations since as early as 2023. Upstate Medical is launching skyward with drones now able to deliver commercial medical and pharmaceutical packages to the surrounding area as well as deploy regularly to their cancer center over 40 miles away. With Downtown now being included in the waivered airspace, Upstate Medical will be able to leverage NUAIR’s BVLOS network to safely operationalize their delivery plans.   Clay, NY:  In 2022, technology giant Micron  announced plans to bring leading-edge memory manufacturing to Central New York with a $100B facility. The technology produced at this plant offers a perfect use case for Rural Air Mobility (RAM) with the transportation of chips by electric or hybrid aircraft – reducing both traffic congestion and product damage from traditional transportation. The increase in airspace opens the opportunity for cargo opportunities to be integrated into both local transportation and into larger shipping supply lines at SYR airport.   3,000 ft paved runway at Beck’s Grove: As a variety of new aircraft are developed for Advanced Air Mobility (eVTOL, STOL, CTOL, etc.), the access to ground infrastructure to support them is critical for the accessibility of this new technology. Providing waivered coverage for this area opens the opportunity to deploy and evaluate these next generation aircraft.  Not only that, but Beck’s Grove can now serve the surrounding community by offering alternative transportation for supplies and emergency response  in critical times of blizzards or flooding.   Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight  said, "Our continued partnership with NUAIR has been transformative in our efforts to elevate the uncrewed aerial systems industry in New York State.” NUAIR’s Land & Expand Grant from Empire State Development has spurred incredible growth throughout the region enabling a draw for talent, technology, and attention to the incredible ecosystem that is being built here. Knight continued, “This latest FAA designation and milestone will further boost the UAS sector's continued growth, ensuring that New York State remains ascendant in this vital field, bringing top-quality jobs and economic growth to the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions.”    A critical part of this region and ecosystem, GENIUS NY is the world’s largest drone and robotics accelerator. GENIUS NY , Director of Programs and Engagement Kara Jones  shared, "NUAIR’s expanded BVLOS waiver is a significant milestone for the uncrewed systems industry and reinforces Central New York as a hub for advanced drone operations. This approval provides GENIUS NY startups – past, present, and future – with greater opportunities to commercialize their technology and secure customers. Expanding the operational area strengthens our ecosystem by enabling real-world deployments, accelerating market entry, and driving industry adoption of innovative UAS solutions."   “The expansion of NUAIR’s BVLOS airspace doubles our capacity and service opportunities for all our partners and clients: commercial, state, and federal.” NUAIR President & CEO Ken Stewart  explained, “It’s a win for more than NUAIR though – it’s a win for all of New York State.”     About NUAIR NUAIR is a nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. Funded through the continued support from Empire State Development and the State of New York through grants focused on empowering and enabling the next generation of aviation.   With a rich history 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 mobility advancement around the globe.   NUAIR . Where Next Takes Flight. Media Contact: Megan Crout | Director of Marketing | NUAIR mcrout@nuair.org

In a world where technology evolves faster than regulations and threats emerge as quickly as solutions, industries need systems that prioritize reliability, adaptability, and trust. At NUAIR, our mission is to advance the safe, efficient, and scalable integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into national airspace —a vision that mirrors the urgency of seamless, resilient infrastructure across all sectors, worldwide.    Bridging Innovation and Safety     NUAIR strives to solve one of the most pressing challenges of modern aviation: enabling drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) to operate safely alongside crewed aircraft. We do this by:     Leading the development of uncrewed traffic management. The synergism with our Alliance Partners allows for a unique and dependable picture of the sky featuring fluid operations and easily deconflicted airspace coordination.   Testing and certifying cutting-edge technologies, from counter-drone (cUAS) solutions to autonomous surveillance and inspection networks.    Collaborating with government, industry, and legislature to shape policies that balance innovation with public safety.     The future vision of drones delivering life-saving medical supplies, inspecting critical infrastructure, and responding to disasters – all while seamlessly integrating into the skies we share – is not only possible, but happening today.      Why Proactive Systems Matter     Just as users rely on subscription services to deliver updates, security patches, or new features without interruption, industries like defense, healthcare, and logistics depend on systems that anticipate challenges. For NUAIR, this means:    Automating Airspace Safety: Like software that updates silently in the background, our UTM solutions ensure airspace deconfliction and regulatory compliance in real time.    Secure Technology and Connections: We take our technology and support very seriously. Our world class secure technology platform allows us to support your service needs without the stress of unwanted breaches or access.  Identifying Threats Proactively: Our work with cUAS technologies mirrors cybersecurity – detecting and alerting you of rogue drones before they compromise safety.    Building Trust Through Consistency: Just as users expect seamless access to their apps, communities trust NUAIR to ensure the airspace is safe and accessible for all.      Case Study: The NUAIR Operations Center     At our flagship Operations Center in New York, NUAIR offers companies the ability to validate UAS technologies in real-world scenarios, with real-time results. With a unique crafted airspace featuring 240 square miles of surveillance coverage, rural and urban environments, flexible take-off and landing zones, and multiple airspace classes, NUAIR offers:  Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations, Emergency Response Simulations, C-UAS and Defense Applications, And much more.  The work completed at NUAIR’s Operations Center isn’t simply experimental, it is the blueprint for scalable, trustworthy systems that industries, large and small, can securely deploy on a global field.   The Future is Collaborative     NUAIR’s vision extends beyond technology. We’re building an ecosystem where innovators, regulators, and operators collaborate to solve problems before they arise.   As drones reshape industries from agriculture to defense, NUAIR remains at the forefront, ensuring these advancements are safe, equitable, and sustainable. Just as seamless systems keep businesses running, our work keeps the skies open for innovation – today and tomorrow.      Explore how our teams are redefining trustworthy airspace at NUAIR.org and NUAIRDefense.org .   Together, we’re not just building technology. We’re building trust in the future of aerospace.

NUAIR is proud to launch NUAIR Defense, empowering militaries, partner nations, and their teams to stay one step ahead – at home and abroad. SYRACUSE, NY – February 11, 2025 – Today marks the official launch of NUAIR Defense , a purpose-built hub designed to take the friction out of verifying, validating, fielding, and training for the next generation of defense capabilities in the air, land, maritime and multi domain space. In an era where defense agencies and industry leaders are buried under an avalanche of unproven solutions, NUAIR Defense clears the path – offering a streamlined, collaborative approach to getting technology and operators mission-ready without the typical bottlenecks.   A True Ecosystem, Not Another Vendor   “We're not just another technology provider,” said Ken Stewart, President & CEO of NUAIR. “We bring together the right people, the right tools, and the right processes to ensure that only proven, operationally relevant capabilities make it to the field."   "The defense technology sector is undergoing rapid growth, demanding accelerated testing, validation, and deployment of dual use technologies." said Darshan 'Dash' Divakaran, Principal at NUAIR Defense . "NUAIR Defense is driving a paradigm shift in defense innovation, bridging the gap between military operators, decision-makers, and technology providers to unlock new possibilities and propel defense and security forward."   NUAIR Defense provides a clear path from concept to operational use by breaking down three major barriers : Validation at the Speed of Need  – Rather than endless cycles of demos and pitches, NUAIR Defense puts solutions to the test in the air, land, maritime, and multi-domain operational environments, ensuring only viable technologies move forward. Realistic Testing That Saves Lives  – Warfighters test and train in live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) settings, replicating the complexity of modern combat. This ensures operators know exactly how systems perform before deployment – no guesswork, no surprises. Seamless Integration  – Working alongside military airspace managers, range mangers and strategic defense sites, NUAIR Defense ensures that fielding new capabilities doesn’t create more problems than it solves.   Addressing Today’s Most Pressing Defense Challenges   NUAIR Defense is already making an impact across multiple domains: Counter-UAS & Airspace Security  – Using digital twin technology, NUAIR Defense enhances real-time detection and mitigation of non-cooperative drones while seamlessly verifying authorized operations. BVLOS Operations & Airspace Management  – In partnership with key government and commercial stakeholders, NUAIR Defense removes red tape, enabling scalable beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations for defense applications. SBIR, STTR, & Dual-Use Technology Deployment  – NUAIR Defense connects emerging companies with real defense needs, slashing the time it takes to move from prototype to deployment.   A Track Record of Getting It Done   With over a decade of success in both DoD, allied, and commercial operations, NUAIR has built a reputation for precision, safety, and effectiveness. Spilling over into NUAIR Defense, its legacy and established safety & compliance programs ensure that every system tested and deployed meets the highest operational standards, mitigating risks and reinforcing trust across defense stakeholders. Even close to home, NUAIR has had a long-standing relationship with the 174th Attack Wing (based out of Hancock Field Air National Guard base) and continues to explore mutually beneficial capabilities. The 174th ATKW is home to the MQ-9 Reaper drone, making Syracuse Hancock International Airport (also NUAIR’s Headquarters) the only U.S. airport whose ATC regularly handles uncrewed aircraft integrating seamlessly into commercial and private flight operations.   NUAIR Defense is actively engaging with military leaders, industry experts, and government agencies to reshape how defense solutions are vetted, tested, and deployed. Learn more at www.NUAIRDefense.org  or contact contact@nuairdefense.org  to explore partnership opportunities.   We invite you to join us for a deeper dive into Delivering Combat-Ready Platforms at the Pace of Modern Conflict Demand on Wednesday, February 26 at 1500 EST . Ken Stewart and Darshan ‘Dash’ Divakaran will be joined by AUVSI President Michael Robbins for an in-depth look at NUAIR Defense and the opportunities available to both commercial and defense operators. Details and registration can be found at www.auvsi.org/events/auvsi-webinars .   About NUAIR Defense   NUAIR Defense is a trusted accelerator where innovations are rigorously tested, validated, and integrated across air, land, maritime, and multi-domain operations to confidently deliver combat-ready systems and expertly trained operators at the speed of modern warfare. NUAIR Defense is a Division of NUAIR.   Media Contacts: Megan Crout | Director of Marketing | NUAIR mcrout@nuair.org

Dedicated to improving 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆, 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 across New York’s transportation systems, using innovation and technology to improve mobility across the state, these leaders keep New York moving.

In a year defined by change and growth, NUAIR has remained steadfast in its mission to catalyze economic development, innovation, and leadership in the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sectors, not just in Central New York, but on the global stage...

NUAIR expertise a key asset towards unlocking the true potential of UAS technology and economically viable commercial drone operations. (SYRACUSE, NY)  – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected  NUAIR  to participate in the  FAA’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) .  NUAIR supports this ARC focused on the development of performance-based regulatory requirements to normalize safe, scalable, economically viable, and environmentally advantageous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) BVLOS operations. NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart will represent NUAIR on the ARC. NUAIR continues to work with the FAA, NASA, and industry on key projects that pave the way for future aviation and the overall safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system. In 2020 NUAIR and the New York UAS Test Site were selected by the FAA to conduct high-density UAS operations in an urban environment as part of the  FAA’s UAS Traffic Management Pilot Program . “The ability to safely fly beyond visual line of sight is what will truly unlock the full potential of UAS, making commercial drone operations both scalable and economically viable,”  said Ken Stewart, chief executive officer of NUAIR . “We’ve been working directly with the FAA for many years, completing meaningful projects together and we are pleased to be selected to sit on this very important rulemaking committee.” The FAA BVLOS ARC kicked off in the third week of June 2021 and plan to have a recommendation report submitted within six months.   ###   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.

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.

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

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.

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

Over 150 New York State public safety officials attend UAS Summit designed to inform and showcase the latest drone technologies developed specifically to assist public safety operations. (ROME, NY)  – On August 16 and 17,  NUAIR  and the  New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES)  held their fourth annual New York State Public Safety UAS Summit, a two-day uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drone) summit designed specifically for New York State public safety officials. Day one was held at the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) in Oriskany, NY and day two held at Griffiss International Airport, Rome. The UAS Summit attracted over 150 public safety officials from across the state who received updates on the latest drone regulations pertinent to first responders and witnessed live demonstrations of the latest UAS technology and services designed specifically to help public safety operations. “As part of our long-standing partnership with DHSES, we conduct year-round training at the SPTC for New York State agencies including night flying, tactical beyond visual line of sight operations, and overall drone flight best practices,”  said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart.  “We always look forward to our annual Public Safety UAS Summit, showcasing the latest and greatest drone technologies and helping more organizations realize the economic, safety, and ecological advantages of drones.” The first day of the UAS Summit held at the  SPTC  provided ample opportunities for learning and sharing best practices for drone operations in various public safety situations. The morning session featured a presentation by Mike O’Shea, program manager and public safety liaison for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with an update on the latest UAS policies and regulations. Followed by an update by NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart and NUAIR’s NYFLY program, which provides continuous training to New York State agencies and has helped over 70 NYS agencies implement their drone programs. Participants also learned of the latest updates and policies that relate to counter UAS –technologies and services developed strictly to help agencies defend community assets and its people against the nefarious use of drones. The second day of the NYS Public Safety UAS Summit was held at  Griffiss International Airport , home to the New York UAS Test Site, one of only seven FAA-designated UAS test sites in the country. The event, located in a former military airplane hangar, owned by Oneida County, was filled with multiple vendors showcasing the latest drone technologies designed specifically for public safety operations. Throughout the day vendors conducted live demonstrations of their technologies and services including different drone platforms and payloads, cameras, counter UAS systems, live-streaming capabilities, software, and more. “Oneida County was honored to host the New York State Public Safety UAS Summit at our Griffiss International Airport facility and the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany,”  said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Public Safety is reaching new heights through the UAS industry, and along with our partner NUAIR, we are on the forefront of the innovation, research and development that is making it happen.” New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “DHSES works throughout the year to train public safety officials on emerging trends and technologies to help them succeed in their missions. UAS has become more prevalent among emergency responders, and we are proud to support NUAIR in hosting this important annual training in Oneida County.” 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 70 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 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