Austria-Secured UAS Language Included in THUD Appropriations Report

Statement

Earlier this week the House Appropriations Committee released its Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) report, which includes language authored by U.S. Congressman Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) regarding Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) airspace.

Securing this report language allows Congressman Austria to ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to prioritize the establishment of special use UAS airspace while he and his colleagues work towards passing a long-term FAA reauthorization bill establishing UAS test ranges. Austria's language requires the FAA to provide an update on the airspace issue, which, if approved near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), would open the door for industry development, training and commercial manufacturing in the region.

"UAS airspace continues to be a tremendous priority for our region," Congressman Austria said. "If long-term UAS airspace is secured near WPAFB, it could bring hundreds of innovative and good-paying jobs to our state. I will continue to hold the FAA accountable until decisions have been made and airspace is granted."

Throughout this process, Congressman Austria has worked to ensure that WPAFB and the Springfield National Guard have a seat at the table when discussing locations for opening long-term, restricted airspace for defense testing.

UASs are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) plus the ground control system and supporting data links. A UAV is a controlled, reusable aircraft that flies without a human crew on board. Because of safety concerns, UAVs can only be flow in special regions designated by the FAA where the vehicles will not fly near commercial and general aircraft, or large population centers.

A copy of the language included in the FY2012 House Transportation/HUD Appropriations Report is below:

"Special use airspace for unmanned aerial systems.--No later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall submit to the Committee on Appropriations in the House of Representatives and Senate a report describing and assessing the progress being made in establishing special use airspace to fill defense research needs related to unmanned aerial systems, particularly in the development of detection techniques for small unmanned aerial vehicles."

Source