Supporters Push for So. Cal Drone Test Range

Business and military interests are pressing for much of Southern California’s airspace to be declared a test range for drone aircraft, U-T San Diego reported.

The newspaper reported that the boost is coming from the San Diego Military Advisory Council and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (SDREDC). The SDREDC would like San Diego to become the center of the nation's growing unmanned systems industry, KPBS reported.

The proposed drone test zone would extend from Edwards Air Force Base, just north of Lancaster, west to the Pacific Ocean and south to the Mexican
border. Northrup Grumman also has a large droneworks near Lancaster.

U-T San Diego reported that 7,135 people are directly or indirectly employed by drone makers in San Diego County, including Northrup Grumman in Rancho Bernardo and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems in Poway.

The FAA plans to create six test zones in the U.S. as it seeks technology and operational advances to integrate pilotless aircraft into U.S. airspace. About 40 applications have been filed from across the country from localities anxious to host the drone test areas.

The Navy has already announced plans to base unmanned spy planes for international intelligence gathering at Point Mugu, west of Malibu.

U-T San Diego quoted the ACLU as warning that current privacy laws are not
strong enough to protect Americans against unreasonable surveillance.

Sean Barr of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation told KPBS the focus is jobs.

"We understand the concerns with civil liberties. From the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation's perspective, our interests lie in creating jobs."

City News Service contributed to this report.