...the U.S. Senate to expeditiously vote to confirm Michael Huerta as the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Huerta has been serving as the acting administrator since 5 Dec. 2011.

“The FAA needs a confirmed leader at its helm to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of aviation safety and aviation-related technological advancements, such as unmanned aircraft,” Toscano said.

During an AUVSI conference last August, Acting Administrator Huerta said, “the world of aviation is an ever-evolving industry. Aviation has progressed in leaps and bounds since its birth in a humble bicycle shop more than a century ago. It has evolved because talented people wondered how to overcome obstacles. And they thought of ways to accomplish things we simply didn’t think possible. Our goal is to safely and efficiently integrate unmanned systems into our airspace.”

Toscano said, “AUVSI agrees with Acting Administrator Huerta that embracing new technology is nothing new for the FAA; however, we must redouble our efforts if this amazing technology can be realized for tasks that save time, money, and most importantly lives. Safely integrating unmanned systems into our airspace will help first responders with search and rescue missions, allow farmers to more effectively monitor their crops, and increase weather forecasting by studying hurricanes and other events in ways that are not currently possible.”

AUVSI said the organization needs a confirmed administrator to help make that happen, and AUVSI encourages the Senate to vote as soon as possible to confirm Michael Huerta.