BEND, Ore. (AP) — Aerial drones could begin flying test runs over remote areas of Central Oregon in the near future, if a proposal to open a military operations area gets federal approval.
The unmanned aircraft are currently prohibited from flying in general airspace, and testing is usually allowed only in restricted military airspace, unless companies obtain special certificates.
The Bulletin newspaper in Bend reports that a nonprofit agency, Economic Development for Central Oregon, proposed the idea.
Oregon congressional delegation staff were briefed on the proposal last week, and Sen. Ron Wyden plans to ask the Federal Aviation Administration if it’s feasible.
