A new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) project taking place in the Rome-Syracuse drone corridor could possibly help guide the way to automated drone delivery.

The FAA recently awarded a task order contract to the New York Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site (NYUASTS) for the next uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS or drone) integration project to help advance safe, high-volume drone operations, and the development of a UAS traffic management (UTM) system, according to a statement from Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR), which is managing the project.

NUAIR said the project will provide information to support police development and update standards to support drone use beyond visual line of sight, as drones are currently flown.

Being able to fly a drone outside a visual line of sight is a critical element in unlocking commercial drone operations, NUAIR said.

“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. In a statement. “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 said there is a need for drone operators to safely utilize low altitude airspace - below 400 feet above the ground - to allow businesses to grown beyond visual line of sight.

The FAA recognizes the benefits of supporting the more complex drone operations at low altitudes safely, equitably, and efficiently, NUAIR said.

“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 in a statement. “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.” 

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.  

The testing will allow for a continued collaboration and support the maturation of a UTM ecosystem, NUAIR 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,” Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said in a statement. “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.”