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Capitol staff to pilot AirspaceLink detection system as first step in three-phase drone strategy
Summary
Executive Director Rob told commissioners the commission will launch a proof-of-concept with AirspaceLink to detect drone flights around Capitol Square, followed later by mitigation and enforcement phases coordinated with Michigan State Police and the Michigan Drone Association.
Executive Director Rob told the Michigan State Capitol Commission on Nov. 3 that the commission will begin a three-phase drone-security strategy by launching a proof-of-concept detection pilot using AirspaceLink software.
Rob described the first phase as detection: installing hardware and software to display drone flights within a radius around Capitol Square, and to show pilot locations and flight details that can be compared with FAA flight-plan data. "We're gonna be launching a proof of concept software system with AirspaceLink in the next months," Rob said, and he promised a demonstration for commissioners after a meeting this week.
Rob outlined a second phase, mitigation, focused on communications and permissions to fly on Capitol Square, involving outreach to the Michigan Drone Association and manufacturers. He said the third phase would be enforcement, relying on applicable laws and Michigan State Police to act when policy or legal violations are identified.
Rob said he has opened communications with Michigan State Police and the Michigan Drone Association and named Matt Rybar and Graham Filler as association contacts. He also said Representative Bill Bridal plans to introduce a package of bills related to drone policy, including a proposal that could designate the capital as critical infrastructure; Rob said he had not yet read the bills.
The commission did not adopt any enforcement rules at the meeting; Rob emphasized the commission will not move beyond detection without commission approval and additional policy guidance.
