Auburn University to Operate First UAS School in the Country

With unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) becoming more popular, the FAA has granted Auburn University approval to operate a new UAS Flight School as part of its Aviation Center. Auburn hopes to launch it’s program in June, and will open the non-credit classes to anyone interested, not just Auburn students. “The reaction has been overwhelming,” said Bill Hutto, director of Auburn’s Aviation Center. “We’ve gotten inquires from as far away as Oregon State.” While the curriculum is still evolving, Hutto anticipates offering courses in pipeline inspection, use in agriculture and law enforcement and more.

Podcast Episode
The NBAA Flight Plan podcast, which ran from 2009 to 2025, provided an overview of important developments affecting NBAA members, and the association’s work to advocate for their interest. The archive of past episodes will remain available for your enjoyment. Please note that no new episodes will be released.

Feb. 13, 2026

NBAA Urges FAA to Explore Range of Solutions for Electronic Conspicuity in BVLOS Operations

NBAA is asking the FAA to stand up a group of experts to explore electronic conspicuity, following the agency’s reopening of the comment docket on the proposed rule, Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations.
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Jan. 28, 2026

FAA Reopens Comment Period for UAS BVLOS Ops; NBAA Plans Further Feedback

The FAA has reopened the public comment period for the proposed rule “Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations” after receiving diverse feedback on key technical and safety issues on the proposal during the initial comment period.
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Student Edition 2025/2026

The Drone Industry Offers Viable, Lucrative and Exciting Careers

The commercial drone industry is on the verge of needing thousands of new pilots, engineers, data experts and others to make maps, shoot videos and photos and perform inspections. Find out how a new generation is preparing to fill these jobs.
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Sept. 3, 2025

NBAA Survey Aims to Gauge Members’ Opinions on Proposed Rules for Safe Use of Drones

NBAA is asking members to take a survey on any concerns they may have regarding the use of drones, and the FAA’s recently issued notice of proposed rulemaking covering Part 108 beyond visual line of sight operations for unmanned aircraft systems.
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