SACRAMENTO – Assemblymember Steve Fox (D-Palmdale) this week introduced Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 6, which would designate California as one of six testing sites for unmanned aircraft systems commonly known as drones. This measure would specifically request that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designate California as one of these test sites.
“The Antelope Valley has long been a great place to build and test state-of-the-art aeronautics,” said Assemblymember Fox. “Bringing drone testing to our community will create jobs and utilize existing facilities throughout the district.”
AJR-6 directs the FAA to determine the safest designation of airspace for drone operation and establish safe navigational procedures before unmanned aircraft systems are tested above urban and rural communities.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International reports that the drone industry has the potential to create 100,000 manufacturing jobs. While many jobs associated with drones have been held only by military personnel, positions now are becoming available for civilians as well. In 2012, the FAA estimated that 10,000 drones will be operating within the United States in the next five years.
“The Antelope Valley still has very high unemployment and too many out-of-work veterans,” said Fox. “By bringing testing to the Valley we will be creating thousands of jobs and employing recently separated veterans who already have experience working with these unmanned aircraft.”
Joint resolutions are bills passed by both houses of the California Legislature that alert the Federal Government as to specific requests or opinions. Once approved, they are sent to Congress. They do not require approval from the Governor.
To view the text of AJR 6, please visit http://leginfo.ca.gov/pub/13-14/bill/asm/ab_0001-0050/ajr_6_bill_20130128_introduced.htm.
(Information via press release from the office of Assemblymember Steve Fox.)
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Some Guy says
The whole state? Really? I’m pretty sure the FAA is looking for small chunks of airspace to control, and I sure hope they don’t want to fly in heavily used airspace to test out things like collusion avoidance.
It’d make more sense to propose a specific area, such as joint use of the Edwards airspace, or expand the Edwards restricted area to accommodate UAS testing.
Sgt. Al says
Why is he designating a test site for Ron Smith. Leave the poor drone alone.
Forewarned says
This jobs making idea sounds more like something the Republicans would endorse. Unlike the job killer Democrats. Didn’t Fox run on the Democratic ticket? Hmmm…….
Maria says
Maybe he’s a Fox in sheeps clothing……
ed says
A drone the size of a hummingbird has already been perfected. However our laws on privacy have not kept pace with technology. But maybe Steve’s (AJR)6 Resolution will wake them up.
dumbandblind says
This is perfect. We can now cancel the LEAPS contract and use drones for free.
sikntired says
Let’s hope it’s successful.
R.W says
If Fox is involved it’s bound to be a complete failure and/or get buried in red tape
Fred says
This sounds like great news for the AV!