Chase Field Being Considered for Unmanned Aircraft Training

BEEVILLE (Kiii News) –

Unmanned aircraft testing could soon be making its way to the Chase Field Industrial and Airport Complex in Beeville.

Joe Montez, the executive director of the Bee Development Authority, said the complex is being considered for the testing of unmanned aircraft in the future.

He added that the Federal Aviation Administration believes it is time to begin integrating unmanned aircraft into the airspace, and that the Texas A&M University system has been working full-time on getting the FAA to choose South Texas for testing the aircraft.

With its hangars, airstrip and tarmac, Montez said Chase Field has a lot to offer.

“We would be ideal for UAS, unmanned vehicle companies, to set up shop here, either to manufacture them, to repair them or overhaul them or whatever in the future, which will create jobs for the community,” Montez said.

Montez said that if Chase Field is chosen, some of the testing aircraft would be housed in the hangars. The FAA is expected to make its decision by the end of the year.