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Last Updated: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 05:33 PM
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Drones Take Next Step with Choice of Test Sites

<p>Drones have been mainly used by the military, but governments, businesses, farmers and others are making plans to join the market.</p>
Image:
A multi-rotor hexacopter, an unmanned aircraft that Robert Blair purchased to monitor his farm in Kendrick, Idaho, are the types of drones experts say are most promising in the commercial market for drones.Robert Blair / AP

The Federal Aviation Administration announced six states on Monday that will develop test sites for drones, a critical next step for the unmanned aircraft's march into U.S. skies.

The agency said Alaska, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Texas and Virginia as states that will host research sites.

Drones have been mainly used by the military, but governments, businesses, farmers and others are making plans to join the market. Many universities are starting or expanding drone programs.

The FAA said when selecting the sites it considered geography, climate, location of ground infrastructure, research needs, airspace use, aviation experience and risk.

— The Associated Press