[Avionics Today 05-11-2015] The FAA has selected a team led by Mississippi State University (MSU) to operate a new National Center of Excellence (COE) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The center will provide the agency and industry with research to maximize the potential of commercial unmanned systems with minimal changes to the current system regulating manned aircraft.
The COE research areas are expected to evolve over time, but initially will include detect and avoid technology; low-altitude operations safety; control and communications; spectrum management; human factors; compatibility with air traffic control operations; and training and certification of UAS pilots and other crewmembers, in addition to other areas.
"This world-class, public-private partnership will help us focus on the challenges and opportunities of this cutting-edge technology," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We expect this team will help us to educate and train a cadre of unmanned aircraft professionals well into the future."