Sympoisum on UAVs a Great Success Written 4 April 2013

By Lawrence Garrett, AIAA Web Editor

AIAA successfully co-hosted a policy symposium 26–28 March, “Civilian Applications of UAVs – A California Perspective,” in conjunction with California Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (44th District). The symposium focused on the various uses of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in such civilian applications as agriculture, disaster monitoring and relief, forest fire management, law enforcement, and water supply monitoring throughout the state of California. The event took place at the Westlake Village Hyatt in Westlake Village, CA, and was heavily attended by a variety of California emergency personnel, industry professionals, academics, and local politicians. Keynotes were provided by Keith Ballinger, assistant manager, Flight Standards Division, Federal Aviation Administration; Janis Pamiljans, vice president and general manager, unmanned air systems, Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems; Steve Knight, state senator, and chair, Defense and Aerospace Select Committee; and David D. McBride, director, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

Following two days of panel discussions, the attendees were invited to tour Naval Base Ventura County. The tour centered on the use of unmanned systems, including a visit to the Self Defense Test Ship (a completely remote controlled Destroyer). Tour attendees listened to remarks from the NBVC Commanding Officer, Captain Lawrence R. Vasquez, USN; Northrop Grumman; and AeroVironment, on the possibilities of UAV systems and the future opportunities they predict.

AIAA thanks all of its sponsors of “Civilian Applications of UAVs – A California Perspective.” The Premier Sponsor was Northrop Grumman. Gold Sponsors included, Gene Haas Foundation, and UA AeroVironment. Silver Sponsors included, Global Energy &Technology, Inc.; Alcoa Fastening Systems; Alcoa; and the California Business Roundtable.