North Dakota chosen as one of six drone test sites

Drone
North Dakota has been involved in unmanned aircraft research for nearly a decade. This small drone is used by law enforcement in the Grand Forks area.
MPR News File/Dan Gunderson

North Dakota will be one of six drone test sites across the country, the Federal Aviation Administration said Monday.

The tests will be a crucial step toward federal approval of commercial drones over US skies.

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The FAA test site designation will increase the state's drone activity, said Wrigley. In its FAA application, the state estimated the test site would create at least 240 new high skills, high paying jobs by 2016. Northwestern Minnesota should also benefit.

Drones will be allowed to fly in a large test area in northeastern North Dakota. The FAA did not provide funding with the test site designation. However North Dakota has set aside $4 million to start operations and future funding is expected to come from the aviation industry and the federal government.

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