Choctaw Nation Supports Executive Orders to Boost Aviation Innovation and Safety

Aerial shot of Emerging Aviation Technology Center

Choctaw Nation Photo

The Choctaw Nation Emerging Aviation Technology Center helps lead the nation in Aviation Innovation and Safety

Published June 6, 2025

DURANT, Okla. – Two executive orders signed today by President Donald J. Trump aimed at advancing the aviation industry support the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) programs that highlight unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM). The orders are designed to promote innovation, domestic manufacturing and security.

“These executive orders will enable the domestic UAS and AAM industries to reach new heights,” said James L Grimsley, CNO Executive Director of Advanced Technology Initiatives. “Technology developments often outpace our regulatory system. These executive orders will accelerate the pace of modernizing and adapting the nation’s aviation regulatory system.”

In 2018, the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) was the only tribal lead participant selected for the FAA’s UAS Integration Pilot Program. CNO’s contributions have advanced the safe adoption of UAS technology, with key applications in medical delivery, public safety and agriculture.

“Emerging aviation initiatives are key to the tribe’s overall strategy for the future,” said CNO Chief Gary Batton. “We are excited about the opportunities this development can bring to southeastern Oklahoma. It will enable us to better serve the needs of our tribal members and the community with technologies that enhance efficiency and safety.”

The Choctaw Nation has created the Emerging Aviation Technology Center testing complex on the CNO Reservation, covering over 44,600 acres. This center is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure to support innovative aviation technologies. The Choctaw Nation’s track record of safety has yielded multiple approvals from the FAA to enable this type of activity.

“The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is a partner in safety with the FAA. We look forward to continuing the success of the Choctaw Nation team in facilitating safe drone operations in the National Airspace System (NAS). These advanced operations will benefit society in areas such as forestry and firefighting. We are particularly excited about the potential societal benefits for those living in our reservation and region. We believe the future is bright,” said Grimsley.

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About the UAS IPP Program

The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) is an opportunity for state, local, and tribal governments to partner with private sector entities, such as UAS operators or manufacturers, to accelerate safe UAS integration. The program will help the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) craft new enabling rules that allow more complex low-altitude UAS operations by:

  • Identifying ways to balance local and national interests related to UAS integration
  • Improving communications with local, state and tribal jurisdictions
  • Addressing security and privacy risks
  • Accelerating the approval of operations that currently require special authorizations

The program is expected to foster a meaningful dialogue on the balance between local and national interests related to UAS integration, and provide actionable information to the USDOT on expanded and universal integration of UAS into the National Airspace System.

About the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

The Choctaw Nation is the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States with more than 225,000 tribal members and 12,000-plus associates. This ancient people has an oral tradition dating back over 13,000 years. The first tribe over the Trail of Tears, its historic reservation boundaries are in the southeast corner of Oklahoma, covering 10,923 square miles. The Choctaw Nation's vision, "Living out the Chahta Spirit of faith, family and culture," is evident as it continues to focus on providing opportunities for growth and prosperity. For more information about the Choctaw Nation, its culture, heritage, and traditions, please visit choctawnation.com.

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