State hoping to be drone-testing site

The Mississippi Development Authority is attempting to leverage the state’s major defense-contracting footprint in preparation of the Federal Aviation Administration’s decision for selection-sites for testing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The state is vying with 37 other states. Stark Aerospace of Columbus manufactures drones, and is FAA-authorized to fly the Heron UAS within the traffic control region of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. The state’s next submission for FAA consideration is May 6. Source: Mississippi Development Authority, April 16, 2013.