Construction is now under way of what is claimed to be the world’s first commercial airport for use exclusively by drones.
The Aerodrome is working with the city of Boulder City to build the droneport and teaching facility in the city in the US state of Nevada.
The developer said that, unlike other similar planned projects for unmanned aerial systems (UAS), its Eldorado Droneport has already broken ground, is fully funded and permanent. The project has the full support and approval of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it added.
“Unmanned air systems are inherently different from manned aircraft and require a whole new type of expertise in order to be executed safely,” said Jonathan Daniels, president of the Aerodrome. “This historic development has far-reaching implications, and will bring with it new aviation business opportunities, jobs and a profound new reputation for the US as the world’s leader in unmanned air systems.
“There are currently over 2,500 companies in the USA with FAA 333 exemption to fly commercial drones, and only one place in the world where they now take priority over manned aircraft. This droneport is the model for the rest of the country, if not the world.”
The 50-acre Eldorado Droneport in Boulder City, NV is located approximately 28 miles from the Las Vegas Strip and is one of only six FAA-appointed UAS test sites in the country. Aerodrome will generate its own solar power to operate the massive facility.
“This is an exciting day for the City of Boulder City and the State of Nevada, to be the site of and partner with Aerodrome on the world’s first commercial droneport,” said Brok Armantrout, director of the community development department in the city of Boulder City. “As one of only six FAA-approved UAS test sites in the country, we are more than prepared to meet the expectations that will come with being the world’s first droneport, and we welcome those opportunities enthusiastically.”
The Eldorado Droneport, which is open to the public but privately operated, offers services including training for UAS and pilot certification and testing.
