Patrick H. Mason, a member of the Senior Executive Service, and the relatively new deputy program executive officer for the U.S. Army’s PEO Aviation, has a challenging duty — helping bring the Army PEO Aviation’s 2018 Strategic Plan to life, which includes delivering capabilities to warfighters faster, streamlining the acquisition process and building a better workforce.   Mason assumed the Huntsville, Alabama-based role in May 2017.  He was the commander of the Redstone Technical Test Center and most recently as the chief of staff for the Aviation Development Directorate of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center.   

A White House and FAA initiative, the UAS Integration Pilot Program involves 10 locations that will use unmanned aircraft in a wide variety of ways. AUVSI is writing a series of profiles on the locations.

For Immediate Release: October 3, 2018 Contact: Tom McMahon, tmcmahon@auvsi.org, (571) 255-7786   AUVSI Statement on Senate Passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill Multi-year authorization will grant long-term stability for the entire U.S. aviation system  

During AUVSI’s Hill Day luncheon, speakers touted the benefits of UAS, especially after major events such as Hurricane Florence. “We’re going to see a lot more of this,” said Rep. Frank LoBiondo, who represents New Jersey's 2nd congressional district. Over the last 24 years, LoBiondo has represented the FAA’s Technical Center— which he says is “really the heart and soul of aviation in the country.” LoBiondo credits AUVSI for helping the FAA realize the benefits of UAS technology. “AUVSI has been a leader in helping me understand the economic opportunities that were being held back for so many years,” LoBiondo said. For his 24 years of service, LoBiondo was presented with AUVSI’s Distinguished Service Award from Brian Wynne, AUVSI’s President and CEO.