Aviation group criticizes plan to limit airspace

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) — An aviation group is criticizing a government plan for limiting airspace in order to fly unmanned aircraft in northeastern North Dakota.

The proposal would provide training space for remotely-piloted aircraft at the Grand Forks Air Force Base, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the University of North Dakota.

Officials with the Aircraft Operators and Pilots Association say the plan raises more questions than it answers and it undermines safety.

Al Palmer, director of UND's unmanned aircraft program, tells that Grand Forks Herald that pilots do not like to give up airspace. He says it's a process that takes time and compromise.

The Federal Aviation Administration recently extended the deadline for public comments on the proposal from Jan. 12 to Feb. 13.

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