With a congressional edict to come up with a plan for regulating drones in U.S. skies, the Federal Aviation Administration last week said it will authorize six “unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and test sites ” across the country and asked governments, universities and other public entities to apply.

 “This research will give us valuable information about how best to ensure the safe introduction of this advanced technology into our nation’s skies,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.

Competition for a drone test site is expected to be “intense,” according to the Washington Post.

The test sites are part of the FAA’s mandate to “conduct critical research into how best to safely integrate UAS systems into the national airspace over the next several years and what certification and navigation requirements will need to be established.”

The FAA also said it would begin an official process to get suggestions and input about an issue that has become a hot button in recent months — drone privacy. Privacy requirements will be made part of each of the six site operations. 

While there are some limited drones in use by law enforcement agencies, there 

Federal Register Posting (PDF) | FAA Release | Washington Post story

RELATED: “Eighteen states have considered bills that would limit the use of unmanned aerial systems, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, and more are likely to follow suit.” Full Story