Paving the Way for UAV Technology in Virginia

On August 13, the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership (MAAP) hosted a First Flight Ceremony in Blacksburg, Virginia, celebrating the FAA's declaration that the test site program is now fully operational and ready to conduct unmanned aircraft research. The event garnered attention among prominent state and national politicians. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta were among the dignitaries who recognize the need to continue developing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology in Virgnia.

UAV thought-leading companies were asked to exhibit UAV products at the event. AVID was invited to exhibit because of our reputation as a quality technology product producer as well as our dedication to expanding ducted fan UAV technology for numerous applications. Vehicles like AVID EDF-8 and Honeywell T-Hawk were displayed by AVID. AVID is a proud contributor of excellent unmanned system engineering in Virginia; one of the factors leading to the award of the test site.

At the First Flight Ceremony, seven Certificates of Authorization (COA) were distributed, with two issued for AVID EDF-8. These two-year COAs will allow AVID to fly EDF-8 in civil airspace under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guildelines. AVID has remained diligent in following all FAA regulations when flying our vehicles. We thank the FAA for providing safety and operational guidelines to ensure the success of the UAV industry. We are proud to receive these certificates and look forward to applying our ducted fan UAV technologies for limitless applications.