GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) — More companies will now be able to test unmanned aerial system flights at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks. Sen. John Hoeven says he secured waivers from the FAA to expand the testing of aircraft that do not have a public designation. Under current rules, a UAS must be designated as a…
By: Jeannie Kopstein ARLINGTON, Va. (KVRR) – Drone technology is the topic of discussion and display at the first UAV Technology USA conference. University of North Dakota President Andrew Armacost chaired the event. “We thought this was just an extraordinary opportunity for UND to be part of the national discussion on UAV technology. It really gives us a chance to…
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE — Senator John Hoeven is marking the completion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s newly-renovated unmanned aerial systems training center at Grand Forks Air Force Base. The project cost $8 million. Customs and Border Protection in Grand Forks is responsible for 900 miles of border. Hoeven says that considering North Dakota’s leadership in UAS,…
GRAND FORKS, ND — Top officials from the Federal Aviation Administration are at UND in Grand Forks to talk about reforming the air traffic control hiring process. Senator John Hoeven recently introduced his bipartisan ATC Hiring Reform Act of 2019. It would enable the FAA to prioritize the hiring of veterans and graduates of FAA certified schools, like UND. The schools…
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — UND hosts the 2019 Collegiate National Drone Championships for the first time ever. KVRR’s Danielle Church tells us why some pilots, judges and UAS professors at the university are calling it a major milestone. There’s nothing quite like aviation, especially when you add a drone to the mix. “Anything in aviation is a blast. Specifically for unmanned…
FARGO, N.D. — Drones have been helping farmers gather data for years and a local organization is dedicated to keeping it that way. Emerging Prairie, an entrepreneurial group, had their first Drone Focus meeting of the year. It’s designed to teach average drone users more about the industry and how professionals use unmanned drones to collect data. The speaker for this…
GRAND FORKS, N.D. — Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson is stopping in Grand Forks on Monday. Senator John Hoeven will host the secretary at Grand Sky, North Dakota’s unmanned aerial systems research and development park. Wilson will be there to witness General Atomics first UAS beyond visual line of sight flight. The FAA has approved a two-year certificate of authorization…
North Dakota DOT has been selected for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Pilot Program. The initiative is aimed at shaping the future of drones in America. The DOT will work with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks and city, state and tribal agencies. North Dakota is one of 10 participants selected by U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao….
GRAND FORKS, ND — General Atomics has completed its flight test and training center in Grand Forks. The 24,000 square foot facility is a 10 year lease between Grand Sky and General Atomics. Grand Forks joins the big leagues. “When they sell an aircraft to England or to Australia or some other country, they train the pilots here,” said Senator…
FARGO, ND — The Secretary of Transportation is coming to Fargo for the 2017 Drone Focus Conference. Elaine Chao was invited to attend by Senator John Hoeven. The event, which begins on May 31st, will be a gathering of local, national and global leaders in the unmanned aerial systems industry. Secretary Chao has agreed to address the conference and meet…
