Arlington, Va. - On behalf of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), President and CEO Brian Wynne issued the following statement on the civil service retirement of Jay Merkle, Executive Director of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Integration Office:
 

As a member of FAA's Advanced Aviation Advisory Committee (AAAC), Management Advisory Council (MAC), and Beyond Visual Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee (BVLOS ARC), I have had the opportunity to work closely with Jay over the course of many years. I appreciate the enthusiasm he has brought to every issue. He has been a steadfast advocate for U.S. global leadership, aviation innovation, and airspace safety. AUVSI members and staff have had the chance to work with Jay and his office throughout his federal service, and they overwhelmingly appreciate all he has done.

I am grateful that during his tenure, the UAS and advanced air mobility industries have been able to build consensus and collaborate more effectively with government stakeholders and regulators, both domestically and internationally. AUVSI congratulates Jay on his successful career in civil service, and wish him best in his future endeavors.

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