Figure 6 . Envisioned Scope of Work for UAS Coordinator position
On the tax credit front , guest speaker Charlton Evans , CEO of End State Solutions , engaged the audience with the explanation of the Washington State Department of Revenue ’ s interpretation of the B & O tax credit , highlighting that the current definition only encompasses transport category airplane ( 14 CFR Part 25 ) manufacturers and supply chains / non-manufacturers as qualifiers of these tax incentives . The law as currently written excludes the UAS industry . Such incentives are significant for UAS aerospace companies attempting to establish a presence within the state .
Helping the audience understand the key differences between our aerospace-rich state and technology hubs for UAS businesses in other states , Council co-chair Bob Griffiths highlighted the lack of a coordinating entity representing this leading segment of industry for the state . Such an entity would provide focus on the much-needed coordination between industry and public sectors and lead the development of the UAS / UAM / UTM ecosystem , ( Figure 6 ).
Figure 7 . Shown is a portable Meteomatics charging and storage station capable of handling multiple drones and drone variants . Image & content courtesy of Meteomatics , GmbH .
Jay Hester , Executive Director of the Port of Sunnyside , introduced the increasing capabilities of the Sunnyside Airport and nearby test areas , aimed at developing the region into Washington ’ s premier unmanned aircraft research , development , and testing range . Meteomatics , a Swiss company , is in the final stage of developing high-altitude long endurance automated meteorological stations using mini-swarm and advanced data processing technologies , and has shown interest in Sunnyside after a two-day visit . See ( Figure 7 ).
50 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS