Oklahoma Delegation Requests FAA Brief of Drone Site Selection Decision

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04), along with members of the entire Oklahoma delegation, today sent a letter to FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta requesting a detailed briefing regarding the recent selection of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) test sites. Prior to the December 30th announcement, Oklahoma was one of about two dozen states vying to serve as a location.

The letter to Administrator Huerta, signed also by Senators Jim Inhofe and Tom Coburn, Congressmen Frank Lucas (OK-03), James Lankford (OK-05), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) and Jim Bridenstine (OK-01), asks FAA to explain why Oklahoma was not selected as one of the six sites.

"Oklahoma is a proven leader in the study, development and use of unmanned aerial systems," said Cole. "I am disappointed by FAA's decision not to include our state as a test site for drone use in the U.S. airspace.

"Our state remains one of the top innovation and testing centers in the world. We have the infrastructure and policies in place that make Oklahoma a global center of excellence in aerospace and UAS. Despite this set back, we will continue to find ways to position Oklahoma as a national leader in the advancement of UAS technology and create an environment conducive to job creation," concluded Cole.

To read the letter sent to FAA Administrator Huerta by members of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation, click here.

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