SAN DIEGO–The San Diego Regional Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) is asking community members to complete an online survey to provide feedback for drone testing in the San Diego region.

Last May, San Diego was selected to participate in a new program by the U.S. Department of Transportation to test advanced uses of UAS technology. The City of San Diego was designated the lead organization for the IPP in San Diego, and was selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test the safe deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles or drones over the next two years.

“Since May, our partners have been busy evaluating possible UAS uses that will benefit residents and businesses, as well as government agencies,” said John Valencia, Executive Director of the City of San Diego’s Office of Homeland Security. “Drones will help strengthen services and provide safety enhancements to San Diego residents during emergencies. Drones can help us save lives.”

San Diego’s local program includes projects that enhance public safety by deploying drones to incident scenes in advance of first responders, transport medical samples from UC San Diego Health for expedited results and costs savings and deliver food from restaurants to consumers with Uber. The IPP is an opportunity for state, local and tribal governments to partner with private sector innovators, operators and manufacturers to accelerate the development of drone technology. There are more than 20 regional organizations participating in the San Diego IPP, including the City of Chula Vista, the Port of San Diego and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.

“This survey will provide vital information for the program to gauge and understand the interest and concerns of residents in our area,” said Mark Cafferty, Chief Executive Officer and President for the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. “The data collected will be invaluable in advancing the program as we look to grow the innovation economy and create jobs.”

The IPP will inform the Department of Transportation about the integration of UAS in San Diego airspace. Key objectives of the program include:

  • Incorporating community participation for meaningful dialogue for unmanned aircraft systems operations;
  • Working closely with private sector partners to advance commercial unmanned aircraft system operations and applications for technology;
  • Obtaining expedited FAA approval for airspace authorizations; and
  • Demonstrating operational solutions that reduce the need for waivers.