It was Sen. Mullin’s amendment that allowed Choctaw Nation to be picked for drone testing site
The recent move by the Federal Aviation Administration to choose the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma among the first new drone testing sites was made possible through a legislative change authored by Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin.
The approval allows the Choctaw Nation to apply for a so-called “Charlie waiver,” granting authority to conduct advanced commercial drone testing in controlled airspace — a capability previously limited to a small group of legacy test sites nationwide.
Legislative Change Opened the Door
Mullin, a Republican, said the designation traces back to his amendment to the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, which expanded waiver eligibility beyond legacy Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) test sites.
Before the amendment, only a limited number of long-standing FAA sites could apply for the waiver. The change made tribal, state, and local entities like the Choctaw Nation eligible to compete.
“I’m glad my amendment came full circle to this moment,” Mullin said, calling the selection a recognition of Oklahoma and tribal governments as leaders in advanced aviation technologies.
Why the Designation Matters
FAA UAS test sites play a key role in integrating drones into the National Airspace System, supporting testing for:
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Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations
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Cargo and medical supply delivery
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Pipeline and infrastructure inspections
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Multiple-drone operations and airspace coordination
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said expanding test sites is critical for keeping the U.S. competitive in drone technology while maintaining safety standards.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford added that the additional sites will help gather data needed to modernize aviation systems and safely commercialize drone operations.
Impact for Oklahoma and Tribal Communities
Federal officials emphasized that drone testing can provide real-world benefits in rural and tribal areas, including faster delivery of medical supplies and improved access to remote locations.
Assistant Secretary of Tribal Government Affairs James A. Crawford said the designation ensures tribal nations are included in emerging transportation technologies rather than left behind.
Background on FAA Drone Testing
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2012 FAA Reauthorization: Created six original UAS test sites
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2016 Extension Act: Added a seventh legacy site
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2017 Integration Pilot Program: Expanded collaboration with states and tribes
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2018 FAA Reauthorization: Created the Charlie waiver process
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2024 Amendment: Opened waiver eligibility to non-legacy sites
The Choctaw Nation’s selection follows that expanded eligibility framework.