How is the unmanned aerial systems industry developing in Ohio?
“I think it’s developing well. There is of course sort of a competitive element to what’s going on in the country right now as these unmanned systems are viewed as the next wave of aviation. Each of the states is looking at this and saying ‘How do we develop that new industry?’ Ohio is, particularly with some of the universities you have here like the Ohio University, has really got some fantastic technology that’s developing and some really good flying.”
How much did it hurt Ohio to be passed over by the Federal Aviation Administration for designation as a UAV test site?
“It’s difficult to say. I think there are six of the designated test sites and the FAA designated them but did not bring any money to the party….I don’t think it hurt Ohio a good deal. The six test sites that are doing flying — they are doing flying that is appropriate for the area they’re in. Ohio is not Alaska. I think the work that is being done in Ohio, because there is a very good group here in Ohio and there are areas to fly here. I don’t think it has hurt a great deal.”
What is the status of the amendment sponsored by U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman to allow Ohio to participate in FAA-funded research in unmanned aerial systems?
“I don’t know what the status of that legislation is. I do think it is extremely important that the people realize that the Ohio University, for example, is part of the center of excellence down at Mississippi State, which is one of the ways that the FAA is directing research and development…I think there is such good resources here in Ohio, I think Ohio will always be participating in the research that needs to be done to make this a mainstream technology.”
How does Ohio and Southwest Ohio fared in attracting new businesses in this industry?
“It is still very early days but there some good examples of companies that are just in the aerospace business and Ohio is big in aerospace and always has been, of course. There are companies that are both being started — start-ups that are getting into this particular space and there are other companies that are in the aviation world that are starting to evolve into unmanned systems. So I think Ohio is very well positioned.”
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