Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development Division of Economic Development

The Division of Economic Development (DED) is leading the effort to create jobs and opportunities in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) industry for Alaskans. With more than 650,000 square miles of airspace, varied terrain, established aerospace infrastructure, a thriving support-services industry, and the newly designated Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex, Alaska provides an optimal environment for unmanned aircraft system testing and development.

As part of DED’s support of the growing industry, staff is organizing and hosting meetings to bring public and private sector interests together with the goal of advancing the industry. Additionally, a State of Alaska legislative task force works in conjunction with the federal government and private sector to address policy needs and concerns for the public and industry alike.

Resources:

• Legislative Task Force Information 
• Drone/UAS Operator Safety Guidelines and FAQs about Privacy, October 2015
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems: An Economic Development Strategy for Alaska, January 2015
• UAS Unmanned Aircraft Brochure.pdf
• Alaska Aviation Safety Foundation Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Guidelines