HPD, F.A.A. Take New Technology to the Skies

November 19, 2007 - The Federal Aviation Administration has selected the city of Houston as the site for a test project which is intended to provide data that will assist with the determination if Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) can be safely incorporated into national airspace.

On Friday (November 16), local law enforcement officials were given the opportunity to view a demonstration of a UAS.

Houston-based test flights related to the “FAA/HPD Unmanned Aircraft System Test Project” are not anticipated to take place prior to June of 2008. When these flights do take place, trained HPD pilots selected from the HPD Helicopter Unit will control the UAS.

“At this point, it is too early in the process to accurately predict a time frame for practical application of this technology for public safety purposes,“ said Executive Assistant Chief Martha Montalvo.

A representative from HPD will be available to answer any questions regarding the Unmanned Aircraft Test Project at 4 p.m. today (November 19) in the media briefing room at 1200 Travis (HPD Headquarters).

VHS/DTR/MIM 11-19-07

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.