Legislature(2023 - 2024)BUTROVICH 205
03/14/2023 01:30 PM Senate TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (uas) and Advanced Air Mobility (aam) | |
| Presentation: Flying to the Future: Building the Drone Industry in Alaska | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 14, 2023
1:34 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator James Kaufman, Chair
Senator David Wilson, Vice Chair
Senator Löki Tobin
Senator Jesse Kiehl
Senator Robert Myers
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) AND ADVANCED AIR
MOBILITY (AAM).
- HEARD
PRESENTATION: FLYING TO THE FUTURE: BUILDING THE DRONE INDUSTRY
IN ALASKA
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
RYAN MARLOW, Coordinator
Drone Program
Division of Statewide Aviation
Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered a presentation titled "Unmanned
Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility" by the Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOTPF).
NICK ADKINS, Deputy Director
Alaska Center for UAS Integration (ACUASI)
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Delivered a presentation titled "Building
the Drone Industry in Alaska."
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:34:35 PM
CHAIR JAMES KAUFMAN called the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:34 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Wilson, Tobin, Kiehl, Myers and Chair
Kaufman.
^PRESENTATION: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) AND ADVANCED AIR
MOBILITY (AAM)
PRESENTATION: UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (UAS) AND ADVANCED AIR
MOBILITY (AAM)
1:35:42 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN announced the consideration of the Advanced Air
Mobility presentation.
1:36:06 PM
NICK ADKINS, Deputy Director, Alaska Center for UAS Integration
(ACUASI), University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska,
introduced himself.
RYAN MARLOW, Coordinator, Drone Program, Division of Statewide
Aviation, Department of Transportation and Public Facilities
(DOTPF), Anchorage, Alaska, introduced himself and shared a
four-minute video about drones in Alaska.
1:39:26 PM
MR. MARLOW delivered a presentation titled, "Unmanned Aircraft
Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). He began with
slide 2, "Alaska UAS/AAM Development."
$35.4 Million Programmed for CY 2023 for UAS Research
and Development
• Funding Sources
• U.S. DOT & FAA
• State of Alaska
• Private Investments
• Partnerships
• ACUASI
• State of Alaska Agencies
• Federal
• Private Industry
1:40:50 PM
MR. MARLOW continued with slide 3, "Alaska UAS Growth for 2022-
2023." He reported that Alaska leads the nation with more
unmanned aircraft registered than manned aircraft. He stated
that the industry averaged 20-30 percent growth each year in the
unmanned sector. He remarked on the registration of one unmanned
aircraft per 81 people. The technology is utilized for change
detection, wildlife monitoring, surveying, inspection and
cinematography.
SENATOR KAUFMAN appreciated the desire to improve technology and
communication related to air travel.
1:42:26 PM
MR. MARLOW moved to slide 4, "AAM Gap Analysis and
Transportation System." He spoke about unmanned transportation
advantages. He highlighted the advantages of an initiative-
taking approach to multimodal transportation.
1:43:10 PM
MR. MARLOW moved to slide 5, "FAA Alaska Aviation Safety
Initiative (FAASI). He shared strategies developed with the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). He highlighted the
priority of weather reporting enhancement. He mentioned the
Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and Automated Surface
Observing Systems (ASOS), which are required for many scheduled
operations. He included the priorities of aeronautical charting,
navigation strategy development, surveillance and safety
outreach. The priorities build the foundation for the group to
proceed with an airspace integration.
1:43:57 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked about terms like AWOS and surveillance.
1:44:13 PM
MR. MARLOW responded that AWOS involves automated weather
observing stations. The FAA currently manages the program. He
explained that weather is reported prior to flights. He remarked
that the program is difficult to maintain in Alaska. He pointed
to system transparency with surveillance technology. He noted
that the surveillance monitors unmanned systems and scheduled
flights. He explained that some people are not using radios or
filing weather plans, so a surveillance system is necessary to
detect noncompliant individuals.
1:46:13 PM
MR. MARLOW continued with slide 7, "AAM Infrastructure
Monitoring and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)." He pointed
to the dashboard displayed on the slide, which highlights
funding utilized, airfield maintenance and resurfacing in a
digital map.
MR. MARLOW commented on slide 8, which depicts a digital image
of Sand Point Airport. He shared that the department received a
report that the runway at Sand Point Airport dropped after an
earthquake. The department scanned the airport with a drone
equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) in 30 minutes
to show that the airport runway had indeed dropped by 10 feet.
The department made recommendations for the volume required to
bring the runway back up to grade.
1:47:32 PM
MR. MARLOW continued with slide 9, "AAM Existing
Infrastructure." He pointed to the department's gap analysis
with the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) outline. He stated that the
Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), Voice Comm Coverage and Next
Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) compile products that can be
visualized by all assets of aviation.
MR. MARLOW moved to slide 10, "Automated Weather Observing
Systems (AWOS) Dashboard." He informed the committee that the
department currently has 65 stations in a status of disrepair
following the typhoon. The stations are awaiting FAA service.
The dashboards allow the department to highlight the problems
and arrive at collaborative solutions.
1:48:26 PM
MR. MARLOW continued with slide 11, "Alaska Continuously
Operating Reference Network (ACORN) He stated that next
generation technologies provide essential items required for
livestream video, communications and control in rural
environments. Currently the department utilizes satellite based
C2.
MR. MARLOW moved to slide 12, "Alaska Continuously Operating
Reference Network (ACORN). He noted that the DOTPF works with
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to ensure that the
statewide network allows for autonomous and next generation
vehicles including unmanned systems. The technology enables
precision guidance in mountainous areas.
1:49:29 PM
MR. MARLOW moved to slide 13, AAM Technology Deployment." He
mentioned the gap analysis and the communities of Bethel and
Deadhorse. The department collaborates with planners and the
United Stated Department of Defense (DoD) to expand the
communities' airports and include remote towers allowing
accessibility to unmanned aircraft. He explained that additional
information is found on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
website.
^PRESENTATION: FLYING TO THE FUTURE: BUILDING THE DRONE INDUSTRY
IN ALASKA
PRESENTATION: FLYING TO THE FUTURE: BUILDING THE DRONE INDUSTRY
IN ALASKA
1:50:33 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN announced the consideration of a presentation
titled "Flying to the Future: Building the Drone Industry."
MR. ADKINS provided the presentation, "Flying to the Future:
Building the Drone Industry in Alaska." He began with the slide
titled "ACUSI."
• ACUASI is the University of Alaska's drone Center of
Excellence
• Our missions include:
- Assisting the FAA in the safe integration of
drones into the National Airspace System
- Supporting Alaskan drone users and industry
- Conducting scientific research
MR. ADKINS continued with the next slide, "Goal Complete
Integration of Drones Systems with Traditional Aircraft in the
National Airspace System." He stated that the group hopes to
function within the airport system.
Goal Complete Integration of Drones Systems with
Traditional Aircraft in the National Airspace System
1:51:21 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked about the ACUASI slide. He asked what type
of drones the university and others are using. He wondered if
the drones were battery-powered. He queried technology basics
related to unmanned aircraft.
MR. ADKINS replied that drones are often thought of as small
quadcopters, however, the Cessna Grand Caravan shown on the
ACUASI slide is technically an optionally piloted drone. He
pointed out that there is a pilot on board during system
evaluation. He noted that drones with ACUASI are massive and
developed to deliver cargo to the villages. He highlighted
requests from village children for chips and soda.
1:52:55 PM
SENATOR WILSON requested clarification about the state spending
money to deliver chips and soda.
MR. ATKINS replied that the deliveries include diapers, milk and
all other necessary supplies. He clarified that the villages
receive all supplies via air traffic.
1:53:14 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN analyzed the technical limitations. He
acknowledged that the appropriate airstrip, aircraft and public
acceptance decrease the limitations.
MR. ATKINS responded that the airstrip requirements are
temporary limitations because technology is advancing to
vertical take-off options. The runway will instead be utilized
as a vertiport. He explained that systems on the ground will
exist to guide the drone precisely into the vertiport.
1:54:01 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology
is utilized for drones.
MR. ATKINS replied that AI is utilized in drone development. He
stated that the AI is built for payload centers. He mentioned AI
built at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to spot
whales. He added that Merlin Labs utilizes computers to collect
route information during air travel. He added that a voice
system is in the development stages.
1:54:40 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 4 titled "Who are We?"
We are a combination of:
• Veterans and former defense contractors
• Science and engineering faculty, staff, and students
• Pilots (all pilots are manned aircraft pilots)
• Airframe and Powerplant mechanic (IA)
• Retired FAA Air Traffic Control Flight Service
Specialist
• Business developer
• Embedded contractors
1:55:15 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 5 labeled "ACUASI's Military
Experience."
• Approximately 124 years of combined military service
on the ACUASI team
• Over 24,750 combined hours flying and operating
military aircraft, approximately 7,100 of those
hours are in combat
• The ACUASI team includes crewmembers qualified on
over 28 different manned and unmanned military
aircraft
• ACUASI is a place that military skills are a direct
transfer to civilian employment
SENATOR MYERS asked about the FAA regulations. He wondered about
licensing changes proposed for drone pilots and regular pilots.
MR. ATKINS replied that the program works with the Alliance for
System Safety of UAS through Research Excellence (ASSURE), which
is a safety organization with 15 core schools. He stated that
UAF is one of the ASSURE core schools and works to help the FAA
draft the licensing regulations. He spoke about the process of
training a pilot to operate a machine. He spoke about the
standards related to the aircraft, specifically safety
standards. He provided the example of seat belts, a safety
precaution that is not indicated for a drone. Another standard
involves battery replacement, which requires classification as a
maintenance action or a rebuild.
1:56:28 PM
MR. ATKINS detailed slides 6 and 7 titled FAA Recognition of
ACUASI's Expertise. He explained that ACUASI encompasses the
Center of Excellence, ASSURE, Beyond (a small aircraft
initiative), a designated test site, Next Generation COSTA and
Next Generation UAMD.
1:58:23 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 8 titled BVLOS Aviation Rulemaking
Committee."
• We fought to protect Alaska's unique airspace
environment for both drones and traditional aircraft
- There are a lot of planes flying under 500'across
Alaska
- Natural GPS-degraded and no cell phone coverage
areas so services are hard/impossible to get
- Gained friends in AOPA, Alaskan Airman's
Association, and other pilot organizations
1:58:55 PM
MR. ATKINS displayed slide 9 labeled "Partners."
• Alyeska Pipeline Service Company
• Anduril
• Cherokee Nation
• Doyon Limited
• DRONERESPONDERS
• Echodyne
• Fairbanks International Airport
• Fairbanks North Star Borough
• Furie
• Griffon Aerospace
• Insitu
• Iris Automation
• Merck
• Merlin Labs
• North Slope Borough
• Parallel Flight Technologies
• Phenix Solutions
• Pierce Aerospace
• Raytheon (Intelligence & Space)
• Reliable Robotics
• Skyfront
• State of Alaska Department of Transportation and
Public Facilities
• Tanana Chiefs Conference
• Turnagain Arm Heavy Lift
• Unmanned Systems Alaska
• Vanilla
• Vigilant Aerospace Systems
• Xwing
1:59:26 PM
MR. ATKINS advanced to slide 10 titled "ACUASI Strategic
Planning" and spoke to the following.
• Stakeholder Charrette
• August 16-17, 2022 at UAA
• 16 stakeholders plus members of ACUASI's Strategic
Planning Advisory Board
• Document maps out ACUASI's future efforts to support
the safe integration of drones into the airspace and
the creation of a drone economy in Alaska
1:59:31 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked if Cessna aircraft were gas-powered.
MR. ATKINS replied in the affirmative.
SENATOR WILSON asked what speed drones can be expected to fly.
MR. ATKINS replied that the physical limitations of drones are
similar to those of the Cessna Grand Caravan. One major
difference involves the airfield; a drone can navigate with zero
visibility, whereas a manned aircraft requires visibility to
land.
SENATOR WILSON asked about drone regulations for the pilots.
MR. ATKINS replied that the FAA is currently working on unmanned
aircraft regulations.
2:01:15 PM
MR. ATKINS continued to slide 11 labeled What Really Makes us
Different."
• Real-world use cases
- Diapers and milk to the villages
• Agnostic about what technology we use
- We just want something that works
• Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) is a requirement
for most of our use cases
• We don't fly a box
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked about the bullet We don't fly a box.
MR. ATKINS responded that the group routinely submits requests
in the Concept of Operations (CONOPS) format to the FAA for
advanced procedures. He explained that a trained person on the
ground uses radar to visualize the drone. The advanced practice
requires permission and disclosure to the FAA for safety
mitigation reasons.
2:03:01 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 12 labeled "Advanced Air Mobility."
• ACUASI is participating in several Advanced
Air Mobility (Large UAS Cargo and Urban Air
Mobility) efforts
• Flights and project safety oversight in:
- Alaska FAA Test Site and Center of Excellence
funding - Merlin Labs (autonomous Cessna Grand
Caravan), UAF's SeaHunter, +
- California FAA NextGen funding 2 projects
Xwing (remotely piloted Cessna Grand Caravan),
Reliable Robotics (remotely piloted Cessna Grand
Caravan), Aurora Flight Sciences (optionally-
piloted Centaur), UAF's SeaHunter
MR. ATKINS continued to slide 13 labeled "Cargo Delivery."
• Goal To deliver cargo including medical supplies
more frequently to remote communities via large
drone
• Alaska's last 'hundreds of miles' problem
• Can fly when traditional aircraft cannot
• Partnership with local air carriers
• Requires a Part 135 certification
• Extended careers for pilots
2:04:15 PM
SENATOR MYERS wondered about the inherent safety of a drone. He
asked if the lack of a live pilot is the only safety aspect.
MR. ATKINS replied yes and added that drones are utilized for
volcano research. He added that a drone is a tool to trigger an
avalanche for safety reasons. He noted that human error is the
greatest problem in most aviation accidents. He opined that
unmanned aircraft will be far safer than human-piloted aircraft.
2:05:23 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN added that drones remain neutral in high-stress
circumstances.
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 14 titled "Fairbanks International
Airport."
• ACUASI now has a hangar at Fairbanks International
Airport (FAI) and will be conducting flights from
FAI GA runways
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 15 titled "Large Drones (DRS Sentry)
at Fairbanks International Airport." He explained that the Sea
Hunter is a twin engine airplane that weighs approximately 280
pounds. He added that the Sentry drone weighs approximately 330
pounds. He furthered that the two drones were used for concept
proving at the Fairbanks International Airport.
2:06:09 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked what the cost is for each drone.
MR. ATKINS replied that UAF has 10 of the Sentry single-engine
drones. The drones were formerly utilized by the military and
sold for approximately $10 thousand plus shipping. He didn't
recall the original purchase price of the two Sea Hunter drones.
He highlighted the improvements the certified mechanics at UAF
made to the fuel and electrical systems.
2:07:36 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked about the purpose of the aircraft design
with the delta wing configuration.
MR. ATKINS responded that the aircraft was designed for a Navy
contract. The aircraft was built for observation purposes.
2:08:16 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 16 titled "Large Drone (DRS Sentry) at
Fairbanks International Airport. He expounded that on May 22,
2022, permission was granted to fly the Sentry from Fairbanks
International Airport. He spoke to the affirming nature of the
flight as it required collaboration with DOTPF, the airport
control tower and FAA.
2:09:16 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 16 titled Next Step: Fairbanks to
Nenana. The slide displayed a representation of a Certificate
of Authorization (COA) permitting flight plans from Fairbanks
International Airport to Nenana. The flight plan enables the use
of drones for delivery purposes. He added that flights from
Fairbanks International Airport to and from Nenana are scheduled
throughout the summer. The control tower and FAA established
requirements for the test flights.
2:10:07 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 17 titled "Emerging Technology Test
Ranges.
• ACUASI has started setting up three Emerging
Technology Test Ranges:
- Nenana Municipal Airport (ENN)
- Palmer Municipal Airport (PAQ)
- Valdez Airport (VDZ)
• Purpose To assist companies with testing prototype
systems and payloads under Alaskan conditions
• Each range will include an on-site range manager,
hangar space, and test and evaluation equipment
2:11:01 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 18 titled "Nenana Municipal Airport."
• University of Alaska just signed a 50-year lease
with Nenana Municipal Airport (ENN)
• The design for a hangar with office space at ENN is
being approved before going out to bid
• ACUASI partnership with Raytheon Intelligence &
Space Division is resulting in the addition of a
research radar for meteorology information and BVLOS
testing being set up at ENN
2:11:48 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 19 titled "Important News."
• On February 6th ACUASI received a waiver from the
FAA that greatly expanded our ability to help drone
manufacturers get their aircraft approved for use in
the National Airspace System
• This is the first such waiver ever granted by the
FAA
2:13:00 PM
SENATOR KIEHL asked about the weight of the two types of drones.
MR. ATKINS replied that the Sentry weighs approximately 340
pounds, and the Sea Hunter weighs 299 pounds. He explained that
the Sentry was included on the COA.
2:13:29 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 20 titled "DAA System: User
Interface." He explained that the university employed multiple
systems monitoring the airspace to collect information and
improve the Detect and Avoid (DAA) systems. He added that the
university plans to utilize the data for counter-drone work
later.
2:13:56 PM
MR. ATKINS moved slide 21 Pipeline Monitoring."
• FAA granted ACUASI a Part 107 waiver for operations
along a 20-mile stretch of TAPS for conducting BVLOS
pipeline monitoring testing
• We will be using this area to test DAA and larger
Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft for
surveillance
2:14:23 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked about anti-drone technology. He wondered if
the Department of Corrections (DOC) might utilize anti-drone
technology if drones were used to drop packages to incarcerated
prisoners. He asked if the university studied anti-drone
technology.
MR. ATKINS affirmed that the university studies counter-drone
technology. He acknowledged the legal ramifications of removing
a craft from the airspace. A drone is protected in the airspace.
Fines and prison time are consequences for shooting a drone.
When a drone is shot, it is uncontrolled, which complicates
public safety efforts. He stated that counter-drone technology
is also developing quickly.
2:15:53 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN recalled learning that drone parachutes allow for
safe use above crowds. He asked how a drone is safely managed
when it is no longer working effectively.
MR. ATKINS stated that ACUASI collaborates with an Alaskan
company designing drone parachutes. He asserted that the local
company was well-suited for the state and will open up tech jobs
for Alaskans.
2:16:44 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 22 titled "Experience Flying Large
Drones BVLOS - Transport Canada Operations."
• >30,000 nautical miles of BVLOS flights
• North Atlantic right whales, Gaspé, Canada
• Infrastructure monitoring
He directed attention to the picture on the lower right and then
to the picture of a water body on slide 23. He asked the
committee members whether they could find the whale in that
water body. He stated that the university's AI was able to spot
the whale from 2000 feet. He stated that the drone imaged a
North Atlantic Right Whale, an endangered species. He moved to
slide 24 that shows the whale and explained that a camera on the
drone and the 42 megapixel picture is fed into a computer that
searches the image and locates the whale. The information is
sent to the ground crew and the whale is located in real-time.
The process saves whales because ships are alerted about the
whale's location and they reduce speed in that area.
2:17:53 PM
SENATOR WILSON asked if the technology was relevant to fish and
game counts. He spoke specifically about caribou counts.
MR. ATKINS replied that trained biologists preform the animal
counts. He revealed that unmanned aircraft might provide more
accurate data, eventually. He remarked that ACUASI partnered
with the Department of Fish and Game to slowly initiate the use
of drones for game counts.
2:18:59 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN recalled the US Coast Guard utilizing pigeons but
imagined that drones have even greater potential to visualize
objects from the air.
MR. ATKINS agreed and added that search and rescue attempts are
greatly enhanced by drone use. He explained that a drone has the
ability to scan an area and take multiple photographs that are
then analyzed with AI. He mentioned the infrared (IR) capability
and shared a story about utilizing a drone in a missing child
case.
2:20:20 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 25 titled Disaster Response."
• ACUASI is part of an FAA project that aims to
develop a concept of operations for how different
federal, state, and local governments, civil
operators, and others can deploy drone
cooperatively after disasters, such as
earthquakes, volcanoes, ice jams, river flooding,
and oil spills
• ACUASI and the Alaska Department of
Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is
using drones to identify areas with high
avalanche potential
2:20:37 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 26 titled "Counter-drone (FAA, DOJ,
DOD ...)
The ACUASI team has entered the realm of counter-
drone (C-UAS):
• FAA - ASSURE Effect of detection and mitigation
systems on first responder communications,
navigational aids, and other systems critical to the
safety of the NAS
• DOJ The use of passive radiofrequency drone
detection systems to support local law enforcement
agencies
• Army The development of a mobile prototype system
for detection of drones near a column of troops
under motion
2:21:01 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slide 27 titled "Education."
• UAA, UAF, and UAS are all developing drone courses
- UAA: Remote Pilot w/operations over people
- UAF: Certificate in UAS operations and
additional degrees in aerospace engineering
- UAS: Drones in environmental studies
• ACUASI conducts STEM outreach events
CHAIR KAUFMAN shared the committee's interest in unmanned
aircraft.
MR. ATKINS remarked on ACUASI's focus on science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outreach events.
2:22:33 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slides 28-29 titled "What's Next?"
In the next six months we will:
• Assist partners in flying the first converted
Cessna Grand Caravans in Alaska (with safety
pilots on board)
• Fly our first drone mission between Fairbanks and
Nenana
• Fly numerous drone missions between Fairbanks and
Nenana for DAA testing
• Conduct several counter-drone flight campaigns in
Alaska and other locations
• Develop metrics for evaluating the success of
ACUASI's efforts to spur economic development in
the drone industry
• Continue our work with the State of Alaska DOT&PF
• Conduct STEM outreach across Alaska
2:23:57 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN asked if ACUASI has a mailing list.
MR. ATKINS replied yes, ACUASI was building a mailing list. He
offered to collect committee members' emails.
CHAIR KAUFMAN offered to distribute the information to committee
members.
2:24:26 PM
MR. ATKINS continued to slides 30-31 titled "Update on FY 23
Funding."
We received $10 M in the State of Alaska FY 23 budget.
We have used/will use it to:
• Hire faculty and instructors to support
drone/aerospace curricula delivery across UA
• Engage UAA's Institute of Social and Economic
Research to evaluate the economics of drones in
Alaska
• Identify locations for and begin establishing the
three emerging technology test ranges
- Nenana Municipal Airport received the bulk of
the infrastructure money this year
• Accelerate the DAA testing and pioneering flights
needed to prove the safety of BVLOS operations in
Alaska through the FAA's BEYOND program
• Purchase a large Vertical Takeoff and Landing
drone for testing drone deliveries that do not
require runways
• Conduct the Global Autonomous Systems Conference
in Anchorage August 9-11th Theme: Trailblazing
Autonomous Paths for a New World Economy
2:25:56 PM
MR. ATKINS moved to slides 32-33 "FY 24 Funding Request."
The Governor put $10 M in the FY 24 budget for ACUASI.
If the funding survives the budget process, we will
use it to:
• Hire faculty, a certified flight instructor, and
curriculum developers to create a workforce-focused
drone certification program for delivery across
Alaska
• Initiate drone-focused, dual enrollment programs for
high school students
• Conduct the 2nd Annual Global Autonomous Systems
Conference
• Implement the three emerging technology test ranges
• Hire additional pilots and engineers to help
emerging technology test range users test and refine
their prototype systems
• Accelerate the DAA testing and pioneering flights
needed to prove the safety of BVLOS operations in
Alaska
2:26:43 PM
MR. ATKINS continued to slide 34 titled "ACUASI's Future Impact
on Alaska's Drone Economy.
• ACUASI will be flying large drones from Alaskan
airports to test and evaluate drone capabilities and
evaluate business cases
• ACUASI and its partners will be developing the
technology and processes for monitoring essential
infrastructure and other BVLOS missions
• ACUASI will be transferring commercial operations it
pioneered to Alaskan companies
• ACUASI's partners are planning to set up branches in
Alaska
• The University of Alaska will create workforce
development opportunities across Alaska
SENATOR WILSON expressed appreciation for the presentation.
SENATOR TOBIN asked about AI and the issue of control. She
wondered about the safety of AI-controlled drones and asked if
public safety mechanisms were developed and employed.
2:27:50 PM
MR. ATKINS responded that AI and drones can be used for bad or
good. He furthered that the AI developed at UAF was used to
search for a whale or understand cross winds. He agreed that
both AI and drone use should be developed safely.
CHAIR KAUFMAN expressed appreciation for the presentation and
future mailing list information.
2:28:56 PM
SENATOR MYERS asked about drone use to transport commercial
cargo.
MR. ATKINS replied that the permissions required present the
greatest hurdle. He clarified that ACUASI must prove that the
system is capable by first traveling without cargo. The process
will allow ACUASI to meet future regulations. He explained
ACUASI's commitment to moving toward the goal of transporting
cargo with caution.
2:31:08 PM
CHAIR KAUFMAN referenced an old interview with David Bowie
related to the internet's influence on society. He compared the
influence of the internet to the potential influence of drones
on our lives.
2:33:53 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Kaufman adjourned the Senate Transportation Standing
Committee meeting at 2:33 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 3.14 Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Advanced Air Mobility DOTP&F.pdf |
STRA 3/14/2023 1:30:00 PM |
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| 3.14 Building the Drone Industry in Alaska UAF.pdf |
STRA 3/14/2023 1:30:00 PM |