UAS Test Ranges - FAA Reauthorization

[Eric Witherspoon]

So tucked into the recent FAA Reauthorization bill, the FAA must establish 6 UAS test ranges by August, 2012. And these ranges are to be operational by February, 2013. That's right, unmanned aircraft.

So, since these ranges are now only ~90 days from becoming reality, anyone know where they are?

[WLIU]

The sometimes restricted area at the old Ft Devens firing range and drop zone in Mass was recently NOTAM-ed for unmanned autonomous UAV test flights. Since the Army no longer does artillery shoots or air drops there, that would be an easy choice. R-4102A & B.

In fact, DUAT shows the following info when I ask for NOTAMs for that area. I was looking for Ft Devens and I also got the BDR paragraph.


BDR 02/081 ZBW AIRSPACE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT FL180-FL300 WITHIN AN AREA BOUNDED BY: ART194036 ART102081 ART060075 ART070090 ART050050 ART123090 ART215040 ART229052 ART250037 ART270025 ART102011 ART194036 1400-2000 DAILY UNTIL 1205292000

SUAE 04/043 ZBW AIRSPACE R4102A ACTIVE SFC-1999FT WITH EFFECT FROM OR EFFECTIVE FROM 1205010900-1205020300

SUAE 04/049 ZBW AIRSPACE R4102B ACTIVE 2000FT-3999FT WITH EFFECT FROM OR EFFECTIVE FROM 1205011130-1205020300

BDR 05/002 ZBW AIRSPACE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT 1200/BELOW .5 NAUTICAL MILE RADIUS IGN214018/9 SOUTHEAST SWF AVOIDANCE ADVISED DAYLIGHT WITH EFFECT FROM OR EFFECTIVE FROM

Be careful out there!

Wes
N78PS