DORGAN TO CHAIR HEARING ON FUTURE USE OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

Event will address imminent operational and training needs around Grand Forks Air Force Base

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – As Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security, U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) will hold an official U.S. Senate field hearing at 8 a.m. on Monday, September 13, in Grand Forks on the status of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) efforts to safely broaden the airspace available for flying military unmanned aircrafts.

Since unmanned aircraft systems primarily fly in restricted U.S. airspace, finding ways to integrate the systems into the more general national airspace system (NAS) is essential to expanding their military role and commercial potential. Grand Forks, as a major emerging area for Global Hawk and Predator Class unmanned aircraft systems, would benefit from increased unmanned aircraft systems access in the NAS.

In February 2009, Dorgan hosted a meeting with the FAA and U.S. Air Force to develop solutions that would permit the military to fly unmanned aircraft systems in the NAS specifically around Grand Forks Air Force Base.

The Monday hearing will examine progress during the past 18 months to address the operational and training needs of the Predator unmanned aircraft systems that are scheduled to become operational later this year.

“This hearing will bring together key witnesses who will help us determine how to move forward with our commitment to safely integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national airspace,” Dorgan said.

“Solving this problem is particularly important to North Dakota where unmanned aircraft systems training and operations are part of Grand Forks Air Force Base and the North Dakota Air National Guard missions. Facilitating broader use of unmanned aircraft systems has both security and commercial implications for the nation and will solidify the Grand Forks area as a critical hub of unmanned aircraft activity.”

The Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Hearing will take place at Memorial Union in Grand Forks. Dorgan will be questioning witnesses from the FAA, Air Force, and the Department of Defense.
Details:

WHO: U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.)

WHAT: Official U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security field hearing about the integration of unmanned aircraft systems into national airspace

WHEN: 8 a.m. on Monday, September 13, 2010

WHERE: Memorial Union
Red River Valley Room
2901 University Ave.
Grand Forks, N.D.

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