Begin forwarded message:

From: University of Alaska Fairbanks <UAF-distribution>
Date: February 4, 2014 at 20:45:38 EST
To: UAFnews-l
Subject: [UAFNews-L] Unmanned aircraft center has new director
Reply-To: newsroom

Unmanned aircraft center has new director

CONTACT: Amy Hartley, 907-474-5823, amy.hartley

Marty Rogers is the new leader of the unmanned aircraft center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Rogers worked as a subcontractor for the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration before his appointment as director in January. He retired from the U.S. Air Force.

Rogers will work in tandem with Ro Bailey in directing the Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex, which the Federal Aviation Administration established in December. The complex includes partners in Oregon and Hawaii, with ranges that span seven climatic zones and diverse geography.

“The emphasis on unmanned aircraft operations in the northern latitudes is increasing due to climate change and hydrocarbon extraction,” Rogers said. “We are working with the end users of data, manufacturers and prospective researchers to safely apply UAS technology when it logically adds value.”

The UAS program, with 18 people and more than 160 aircraft, is part of the UAF Geophysical Institute. It occupies office space in south Fairbanks. The team conducts research missions across the globe. Flights and testing continue at Poker Flat Research Range, the team’s previous home.

CONTACT: Amy Hartley, public relations manager, UAF Geophysical Institute, amy.hartley, 907-474-5823.