Sinclair Applies for FAA Certificate of Authorization (COA) to Fly New Lockheed Martin UAS Platform

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 February 24, 2014 - Sinclair Workforce Development has submitted applications for two new Certificates of Authorization (COA) to operate a new unmanned aerial system (UAS) platform at Wilmington Air Park and Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport.

With the approval of the COAs, Sinclair's UAS Training and Certification Center will be permitted to operate the new platform, a Lockheed Martin Indago VTOL, which stands for "vertical take-off and landing," at both airports. The college is hoping for approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by mid-April.

"The Sinclair UAS Training and Certification Center continues to provide national leadership in UAS through the provision of exceptional training opportunities, equipment, and curriculum," said Deb Norris, Vice President of Sinclair Workforce Development. "The addition of the Indago platform at multiple airports will expand our already world-class capability as we strive to support industry innovation and the elevation of workforce capabilities."

This would be the college's first quadcopter, a UAS with the ability to hover above a fixed point, in Sinclair's growing fleet of platforms. The vertical take-off and landing capabilities of the Indago provide substantial training opportunities that support first responder applications and apply to smaller airspace areas where Sinclair's fixed-wing UAVs cannot operate. Upon delivery of the Indago platform and approval of the COAs, the college will complete required UAS crew training to facilitate Sinclair-led flight and training operations in the summer and fall.

Sinclair, the first community college in Ohio to secure airspace for testing UAS through the FAA, has already secured multiple COAs for its existing fleet of UAS platforms. The college currently holds six COAs to operate three fixed-wing UAS at both the Wilmington Air Park and the Springfield-Beckley locations.

Under FAA regulations, operations of UAS are strictly controlled through the COA system.

Sinclair's UAS program focuses on practical, real-world applications of emerging non-military vehicles and sensor technologies delivered through classroom instructions, lab simulations and hands-on operations.

###

Contact:  

Ryan Honeyman, Strategic Communications Coordinator

Sinclair Community College Workforce Development

Ryan.honeyman@sinclair.edu – 937.512.5743