Reuters
4:31 p.m. CST, March 7, 2012
 * Goal is to integrate unmanned craft into U.S. airspace by
2015
* Test sites would help FAA integrate drone aircraft safely

WASHINGTON, March 7 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation
Administration took a first step on Wednesday toward choosing
six test sites where aerial drones can be flown in the United
States, as it studies how to integrate unmanned aircraft into
the national air space by 2015.

The FAA announced a 60-day period in which it would solicit
public comment to help it decide issues including where to
locate the test sites, who should be allowed to use them, how
big they should be, what capabilities they should have and who
should manage them.

"The feedback through this transparent process will help the
FAA develop UAS (unmanned aircraft system) test site
requirements, designation standards and oversight activity," the
FAA said in a statement. Once it formulates the requirements,
the FAA will issue a request for proposals for test sites.