Schumer Pushes FAA to Use Syracuse for Drone Testing

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer on Monday urged the FAA to designate the Air National Guard Base in Syracuse as one of six test sites for drones.

Schumer said that the Air National Guard's MQ-9 reaper drone is putting the base in the forefront of the region's application with the FAA.

The FAA has received 50 applications nationwide and has narrowed the list to 25, including the 174th attack wing at Hancock Field. If the local application is accepted, it would help make central New York a center for drone research and development.

A decision is expected in about six months.