Richmond, VA, Feb. 14, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RICHMOND, VA - The Virginia General Assembly unanimously approved Senate Joint Resolution 347 commending The Center for Innovative Technology’s Center for Unmanned Systems and the Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership, and the entire team of corporate and local government partners on successfully submitting a proposal and winning the U.S. Department of Transportation Unmanned Aerial Systems Integration Pilot Program approval.

The Integration Pilot Program (IPP) is an exclusive group of only 9 states, including Virginia, that have successfully established unmanned system protocols and designated testing facilities that meet the approval standards of the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The IPP designation assures Virginia’s participation in the development of unmanned technologies and the necessary safety protocols for the National Airspace System.

“The celebration of our National approval and endorsement in the Unmanned System Industry helps us assure technologies, businesses and the entrepreneurs who will develop, build, support them right here in Commonwealth of Virginia are empowered to be competitive. CIT and The Center for Unmanned Systems are grateful for the General Assembly’s support and proclamation.”
Tracy Tynan, Director, The Virginia Center for Unmanned Systems, Center for Innovative Technology (CIT)


“Some of the most advanced drone operations in the history of the industry are going to unfold right here in Virginia under the IPP program. The IPP Program will help drive economic development and bring real benefits to Virginia communities and reinforce our reputation as a hub of innovation. It’s been a privilege to work with CIT and our other partners to help bring this important program to the Commonwealth, and this recognition by the General Assembly is a tremendous honor.”
Mark Blanks, Director, Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership

“Virginia continues to lead in the innovations and processes necessary to attract and grow unmanned business and opportunities to our state. We are honored by the proclamation, appreciative of our partners and excited about the continued growth of unmanned technology business in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
Ed Albrigo, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Innovative Technology (CIT)

Since 1985, Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT), a nonprofit corporation, has been developing and empowering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Commonwealth. CIT accelerates innovative technology development through partnerships, commercialization, capital formation, market development and revenue generation services. The CIT process successfully accelerates opportunities for Virginia based businesses, institutions and entrepreneurs to become leaders in nationally recognized innovations that impact the rate of new technology adoption in the marketplace.

Full text of the resolution: Another CIT Success Story / Virginia Senate Resolution 347

Tracy Tynan, Director, Unmanned Systems, Center for Innovative Technology
Center for Innovative Technology | The Virginia Center for Unmanned Systems at CIT
804-840-6127
tracy.tynan@cit.org