The breadth and depth of the progress made by partners of the region’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector was on full display in July. From exciting technological advancements to ensure the safe integration of drones in the nation’s airspace, to creating educational opportunities to prepare a local workforce, to the use of drones for a […]
The breadth and depth of the progress made by partners of the region’s unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector was on full display in July. From exciting technological advancements to ensure the safe integration of drones in the nation’s airspace, to creating educational opportunities to prepare a local workforce, to the use of drones for a unique film festival, the region is showing its long-term commitment to developing this high-tech industry cluster.
Gryphon Sensors on July 25 launched its state-of-the-art mobile unmanned traffic-management system called Mobile Skylight. This first-in-the-nation unmanned aircraft-management system sets a new standard in drone security and UAS traffic management. It provides accurate three-dimensional detection of low-flying, small UAS, and is designed for rapid deployment with beyond-visual, line-of-sight applications including stadium, special-event security, first-responder and search-and-rescue operations, and infrastructure and utility inspection.
At the same time SkyOp, a finalist in the first round of the GENIUS NY program, began offering an introduction to UAS course on Aug. 1 at The Tech Garden. The 18-hour hands-on course takes students from learning to fly drones all the way through preparing for FAA certification. Drone-trained and certified pilots are in high demand, with more jobs expected to be created as the industry continues to grow over the next several years.
While business development and technological advancements support our economy it’s also worth noting that drones have a wide-array of uses that touch sectors like arts and culture. The recently announced inaugural New York State (NYS) Fair Drone Film Festival will engage filmmakers from around the world in a competition, with the top winning films to be showcased during a special presentation and screening during the NYS Fair, which runs Aug. 23 to Sept. 4.
This range of projects and their progress underscore efforts to position Central New York as a world leader in the UAS field. When further coupled with the creation of the drone corridor, the GENIUS NY competition, and the alignment of our business and academic institutions, this region is well-positioned to lead the UAS industry with sustained growth into the future.
Robert M. (Rob) Simpson is president and CEO of CenterState CEO, the primary economic-development organization for Central New York. This viewpoint is drawn and edited from the “CEO Focus” email newsletter that the organization sent to members on July 27.