Arizona is home to more than 1,200 aerospace companies and ranks fifth in the U.S. for aerospace employment. Thanks to the state’s work through the Aerospace Arizona Association in representing aerospace entities and educating policy makers at the federal, state, county and local levels, the state could soon become known as “the premier destination for aerospace innovators,” including unmanned aircraft systems companies.&nbsp;As the state continues its support and commitment to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), the Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation (AREDF) believes the state’s role in the national UAS industry is becoming clear to regional and national startups, aerospace majors and decision makers.&nbsp;&nbsp; Mignonne Hollis, executive director for AREDF and founder of Aerospace Arizona, helped form Aerospace Arizona to serve as a proactive advocate of the interests of the aerospace industry in order to accomplish the enactment of responsible legislation and public policy that promotes the economically viable, socially and environmentally responsible development of the industry. The work of Hollis is paying off. The state has its own UAS test site and is home to several UAS firms ranging from startups to large UAV and aerospace brands.&nbsp;Home to Fort Huachuca, the largest UAS training center in the world at more than 350,000 square feet, Arizona is well positioned to enhance and expand industry efforts today and well into the future for small, medium or large operations focused on every type or size of UAS, Hollis says. Arizona offers more flying days than any other location in the U.S. and 6 world-class aerospace educational facilities. The tax-friendly climate and regulatory environment combined with the state’s favorable cost of doing business helps to set the state apart from others working to grow its UAS presence.&nbsp;While Aerospace Arizona works to expand and enhance aerospace and UAS activity in the region, AREDF can focus on three key areas: economic influence, local business development and regional industry development. “We provide feedback to Arizona legislators on a variety of economic topics,” Hollis says. “We hold positions on influential state and national economic development councils and initiatives,” adding that the association “focuses on long-term results that are in the best interest of the [UAS] industry.”&nbsp;

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