releases: https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8A58FA1D-DA96-4DC9-A320-1F3BA0658784
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.heitkamp.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8A58FA1D-DA96-4DC9-A320-1F3BA0658784 | Heitkamp Successfully Pushes Administration to Expand Northern Plains UAS Test Site Operations | 2016-12-28 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | ND | Heidi Heitkamp | H001069 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov | legacy | BISMARCK, N.D. – U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp today announced that, after pressing the White House on the issue earlier this year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorizing the Northern Plains Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Test Site in Grand Forks as the first site in the country to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations. Heitkamp successfully pushed the administration in August to authorize BVLOS operations at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site as a part of new commitments the White House issued to expand the integration of UAS safely into the national airspace. Now that the commitment Heitkamp secured has FAA airspace authorization, UAS flights at the test site are one step closer to flying up to 29,000 feet without a chase aircraft, supporting the integration of heavier, faster UAS that can operate at higher altitudes. “North Dakota is No. 1 when it comes to unmanned aircraft, and that’s why I pushed the administration to make the Northern Plains UAS Test Site the first to conduct beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations,” said Heitkamp. “Grand Forks and the entire Red River Valley lead the country in developing and advancing these exciting technologies. Today’s announcement puts the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in an even better position. It’s encouraging to see FAA move ahead on this authorization after pressing the administration, and I look forward to helping expand North Dakota’s leadership in UAS even further in the coming year." As a co-founder of the U.S. Senate Defense Communities Caucus, Heitkamp has worked to promote Grand Forks and Fargo as hubs of UAS innovation. Most recently, Heitkamp helped pass a bill reauthorizing the FAA – including key provisions Heitkamp pushed for to benefit North Dakota that will: Expand the ability of UAS technologies to improve public safety: Heitkamp helped pass bipartisan provisions that, by promoting the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace, will expand the ability of UAS technologies to help respond to natural disasters, provide emergency response, and protect critical infrastructure like pipelines. Strengthen UAS technology development in Grand Forks: Long a vocal advocate for continuing to advance UAS research and development at the Northern Plains UAS Test Site and Grand Sky UAS Business and Aviation Park, Heitkamp helped pass a three year congressional authorization for the test site. Reform burdensome requirements for small aircraft pilots: Continuing her push to make sure general aviation pilots are not overly burdened by regulations, the bill includes provisions that will reform and streamline the third class medical certification process. As part of the second pilot’s bill of rights, which Heitkamp cosponsored in the U.S. Senate, this new process will benefit North Dakotans who fly small aircraft like crop dusters. Support graduates of the air traffic control program at UND: The bill includes provisions that will change hiring guidelines for air traffic controllers, acknowledging and giving credit to UND students who have received special training. For years, Heitkamp has worked to advance emerging UAS technologies in Grand Forks. She brought the FAA Administrator to North Dakota in 2014 to announce the Northern Plains UAS Test Site in Grand Forks and successfully pressed the FAA to remove barriers blocking the test site’s flight operations. She also led efforts to develop an Enhanced Use Lease between the Air Force and Grand Forks County and introduced bipartisan legislation to encourage further research and development of UAS technologies. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |