At the Kansas Aviation Summit held at Salina Regional Airport, Deb Sanning, the FAA’s deputy regional administrator, emphasized the need for public education regarding the rise of pilot-less flights.
As aviation companies increasingly invest in electric propulsion and autonomous systems, Sanning noted that uncrewed flights are becoming commonplace, and the FAA is adapting its regulatory policies to accommodate these changes.
During the summit, Kriya Shortt, CEO of Textron eAviation, announced upcoming flight tests of their new electric vertical takeoff and landing system eVTOL the Nexus, at Salina Regional Airport.
This zero-emissions aircraft will be tested for both cargo and passenger transport starting next year, highlighting the collaboration between Textron, the Salina Airport Authority, and Kansas State University.
Sanning also addressed concerns from rural communities about the growing presence of drones, noting inquiries about individuals potentially shooting down UAVs over their properties.
She stressed the importance of community engagement to educate residents on the implications of integrating drones into the airspace, citing a Dallas example where residents complained about drone noise.
Overall, the summit highlighted the transformative changes in aviation technology and the need for proactive communication with communities as these innovations take flight.