NYS County Execs Seek Drone ID Support from Oneida Co. UAS Test Site

County Executives across New York State are turning to Oneida County’s Unmanned Arial Systems (UAS) Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome for guidance on addressing the growing challenges posed by unidentified drones in their communities. 

At a recent forum hosted by the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) in Albany, that highlighted the surge in drone sightings and the resulting public safety concerns, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. and AX Enterprize provided insights into the ongoing collaborative efforts between the FAA, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Department of Defense (DoD) and local law enforcement to assess potential threats and develop strategic responses to increased drone activity.

“It was a great opportunity to educate my fellow County Executives about the vital resource we have right here in Oneida County and offer up its services,” Picente said. “Our UAS Test Site is on the forefront of drone research and development and is redefining what the industry is capable of. I look forward to future opportunities to showcase this innovative hub to my colleagues firsthand.” 

The NYS UAS Test Site, one of seven Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-designated UAS Test Stites nationwide, is owned and managed by Oneida County. AX Enterprize, LLC (AX) serves as the test site operator, providing support for both commercial and government drone testing and training.

While unidentified drone sightings can cause public panic, AX CEO Pat Baskinger said there is usually a rational explanation.

“In most cases, drones are flown by individuals who are simply unaware of FAA regulations,” Baskinger said. “However, it is important to remain vigilant and report any sightings to law enforcement, as drones are classified as aircraft by the FAA, making it illegal to shoot them down.”

Baskinger also emphasized the proactive role of NY UAS Test Site personnel in supporting federal agencies such as the FAA, DoD, and DHS in the advancement of drone integration into the National Airspace System (NAS). She pointed out the DoD and DHS are funding the deployment of UAS Traffic Management capabilities to support air domain awareness for air traffic control and counter UAS activities.

In addition, proposed legislation, such as the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act, could help close existing public safety gaps. If enacted, this law would grant state and local law enforcement the authority to mitigate threats posed by drones in areas with temporary flight restrictions, including large public gatherings and sporting events.

About Oneida County

Oneida County is home to the FAA-Designated NY UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, NY. Located in central New York State, between Syracuse and Albany, Oneida County has become a hub for UAS and counter-UAS research and development, as well as advancements in chip fabrication, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence. County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. has played a pivotal role in positioning the county at the forefront of these industries.

About AX Enterprize

Established in April 2011, AX is a New York State Certified Women-Owned and ISO 9001 Certified small business specializing in the development and integration of UAS and Advanced Air Mobility technologies. Their expertise includes secure UAS Traffic management and Air Domain Awareness solutions, Detect and Avoid systems, Trustworthy Remote ID, counter-UAS solutions, and tools supporting drone traffic management and air domain awareness. AX has been a trusted partner of Oneida County since the inception of the NY UAS Test Site in 2014, overseeing daily operations and providing critical safety and technical support.