Letter to Michael P. Huerta, Acting Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration

Letter

Congressman Steve Austria (R--Beavercreek) spoke with Michael Huerta, Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to discuss the unique research, development, testing, and training being conducted in the Miami Valley on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). During that call, Congressman Austria extended an invitation for Huerta to visit Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and other facilities to see firsthand why the Dayton region is a leader in UAS technology. They also discussed the urgent need for more permanent airspace to test these vehicles and the process in which the FAA will use to select these new test sites. Acting Administrator Huerta accepted this invitation and Congressman Austria looks forward to announcing specific details at a later date.

Earlier this year, Congressman Austria worked with Chairman John Mica and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to include language in the FAA reauthorization (H.R. 658) which directs the FAA to create UAS test sites. The Wright Patterson Air Force Base area and the Springfield National Guard Base have been working with the FAA to obtain airspace to test fly Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles used by the Department of Defense and Homeland Security. Manufacturers who build the aircraft have complained that they need the necessary airspace to test fly the planes they build. According to Austria this could potentially produce hundreds or even thousands of new jobs in the area.

"UAS airspace continues to be a tremendous priority for the Miami Valley region as it could possibly bring hundreds -- or even thousands -- of innovative and good-paying jobs to our state. The Dayton region is a national leader in UAS research and development, and given the opportunity to compete for dedicated airspace, the region will also be well-positioned to attract UAS manufacturers and businesses to Ohio," Congressman Austria said. "I have, and will continue to, work to ensure that WPAFB and the Springfield Air National Guard have a seat at the table when discussing locations for opening long-term, UAS airspace."

While the FAA continues to address UAS airspace, Congress also has the responsibility of providing the FAA with the necessary legislation to take the next steps and create an integrated National Airspace (NAS). Congressman Austria's amendment included in the House the FAA reauthorization bill (H.R. 658), directs the FAA to create UAS test sites in which regions would compete. Specifically, this language requires the FAA to consider the availability of research radars in awarding these test sites. While Congress continues to negotiate a compromise, Congressman Austria continues to work with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Senator Portman, and other colleagues to ensure that similar language remains in the final bill. The FAA Authorization bill is expected to move forward in January 2012.

December 9, 2011

Michael P. Huerta
Acting Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591

Dear Acting Administrator Huerta,

I want to follow up to our conversation yesterday and again congratulate you on your new position as Acting Administrator. I also want to thank you for your willingness to visit Dayton and the Miami Valley region to join me on a tour of Wright Patterson Air Force Base and other local facilities which are leaders in the development, research, testing, and training of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Given your years of service in the public and private sector, you know firsthand the numerous issues facing FAA as it works to ensure a safe and efficient National Airspace System (NAS). One of those important issues is that of UAS airspace. The FAA has recently taken many steps to address UAS airspace, including creating a national policy and roadmap, and decreasing the wait time for obtaining a certificate of authorization (COA). However, UASs will only become more prominent as our military, civil, and recreational aircraft continue to technologically advance. Given a finite NAS, we must create a process which allows UAS to integrate with manned aircraft while protecting public safety.

As the FAA continues to address this issue, Congress also has the responsibility of providing the FAA with the necessary legislation to take the next steps and create an integrated NAS. At my request, Chairman Mica included language in the FAA reauthorization (H.R. 658) to create UAS test sites for integrating the NAS. This language was included in the final bill reported out of Committee in March and passed by the House of Representatives in April. While Congress continues to negotiate a compromise bill, I have continued to work with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and our Senate colleagues to ensure that similar language remains in the final bill.

While there are numerous areas around the nation that could meet the requirements for a test site, I believe that the Miami Valley is uniquely qualified. Home to the Wright Brothers, the Dayton area has been a leader in aviation since the late 1800's. This tradition continues today with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), numerous private-sector employers, and three universities, which are all leaders in UAS technology and training for military and civilian use. While the Dayton region is producing cutting edge UAS technology, it lacks sufficient airspace to meet the demand for testing these systems. While the Miami Valley currently has one COA and several pending COA applications, more permanent airspace is needed to facilitate greater research and testing.

I appreciate your willingness to see firsthand the unique UAS research and development being conducted in the Miami Valley and look forward to your visit. Your office can contact my scheduler Erika Luth at Erika.luth@mail.house.gov or 202-225-4324 to schedule your visit.

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