Choctaw Nation Selected as New FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site

DURANT, OKLA. – The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) has been selected by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) as one of two new national Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) test sites, marking a major milestone for the Tribe’s leadership in advanced aviation and emerging technologies.

U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford announced the designation Thursday, making the Choctaw Nation one of only nine FAA-designated UAS test sites nationwide.  The second newly designated test site is the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. These are the first new test sites approved since 2016.

“This designation is a meaningful step forward for Choctaw Nation and for the future of aviation in Oklahoma,” said James Grimsley, executive director of Advanced Technology Initiatives for CNO. “Being named an FAA-designated UAS test site positions us as industry leaders in drone technology, selected based on capabilities, past performance and our reputation. It’s also rewarding to be the first tribal-owned program selected.”

Grimsley noted the designation builds on the Choctaw Nation’s long-standing work with the FAA, including being the only tribal government selected as a lead participant in both the FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program and the BEYOND program.

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin praised the designation and pointed to recent federal policy changes that helped open the door for new UAS test sites.

“Choctaw Nation is an excellent addition to the FAA’s UAS test sites that support the FAA in integrating UAS into the national airspace system (NAS),” said Senator Mullin. “I’m glad my amendment in the 2024 FAA Reauthorization to allow non-legacy UAS testing sites, such as the Choctaw Nation, the ability to apply for a Charlie waiver to permit commercial drone airspace testing authority has come full circle to this moment. Oklahoma and Indian country continue to be the premier location for innovative and modern technologies that fully support our mission of bringing America into the Golden Age of Transportation.”

The FAA’s UAS Test Site Program is designed to evaluate the safety, operations and navigation procedures of public and civil drone technologies prior to their integration into the NAS. The designation comes at a critical time as the FAA advances new rules for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, meaning drones are flown where the operator can’t see the aircraft. This shift is expected to significantly expand the commercial and public safety uses of drone technology.

Grimsley emphasized the role designated test sites have in accelerating safe commercialization. “These test sites help assess emerging technologies for cargo delivery, BVLOS operations and multiple-drone operations while improving safety and security,” he said. “Together, we will usher in the safe integration of UAS into the national airspace.”

The Choctaw Nation’s designation builds on the recent opening of its Emerging Aviation Technology Center in Daisy, Oklahoma, which officially launched in June 2025. The center serves as a hub for research, testing, workforce development and industry partnerships focused on next-generation aviation technologies.

“Drone technology is already changing how services are delivered and how critical infrastructure is inspected, monitored and protected,” James said. “The next chapter is about proving what works safely at scale, and our role as a test site is to generate the data, operational insights and best practices that help make that possible.”

As an FAA-designated UAS test site, the Choctaw Nation will support research and testing that advances drone operations for public safety, infrastructure inspection, logistics, environmental monitoring and other critical applications, while creating new opportunities for economic development and high-skilled jobs in southeastern Oklahoma.

“Choctaw Nation is ready to lead with safety, responsibility and innovation,” Grimsley said. “We’re proud to contribute to the future of aviation and to help ensure these technologies are integrated in ways that benefit communities, strengthen infrastructure and expand what’s possible.”