Drones to fly for tribal government
The US civil aviation authority, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), through its Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (MMAC) in Oklahoma City, OK, partners with the Choctaw Nation to study how unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) can best transport cargo, including parcels, at lower altitudes. The three-year MoU will enable the MMAC to work with the Choctaw Nation to study human factors, supply chain management and air traffic control.
The Choctaw Nation is the only tribal government selected by the US department of transportation to participate in the UAS integration pilot programme.
It was one of nine active pilot sites in the country selected to work with the FAA and industry to conduct advanced UAS operations, and also was the first tribal government to be recognised as a public aircraft operator. (ah)