U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., a senior member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, questioned a panel of inspectors general from four agencies under the committee’s jurisdiction.
Wicker asked about FirstNet oversight by the Office of the Inspector General at the Commerce Department. He went on to ask the Inspector General at the Transportation Department about unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations requirements and potential locations for demonstration tests, such as Mississippi State University’s UAS Center of Excellence in Starkville.
The Commerce Committee hearing focused on ways to improve each respective federal agency.
“I’m told by my friends at Mississippi State University that there are several of these test sites at 23 locations across the country,” said Wicker.
“Wouldn’t those be good centers to develop demonstration processes and provide the practical tests necessary for drone operators,” said Wicker.
Right now, there are no required tests or training for drone operators.
