YDQA: Ep 135- "What’s the Difference Between a UAS Test Site and a Test Range?”

From Your Drone Questions. Answered. by Drone Launch Academy

February 12, 2026 · 16 min · Episode 135

About this episode

This episode explores the differences between UAS test sites and test ranges with expert Jesse Steele.

Are UAS test ranges and FAA test sites the same thing… or totally different? In this episode of Your Drone Questions Answered , we sit down with Jesse Steele, Range Manager at the Pendleton UAS Range , to break down the real difference between FAA-designated UAS test sites and the ranges that operate under them. You’ll learn: The difference between a UAS test site and a test range How COAs (Certificates of Authorization) are created and managed Why Pendleton offers 14,000 square miles of test airspace What makes this location ideal for advanced testing The types of companies and platforms testing there (from commercial to defense) Whether the public can visit or even fly at a range like this From EVTOL projects like Airbus’ Vahana to large-scale testing operations and cross-country drone flights, the Pendleton range has hosted 175+ unique companies and more than 67,000 test flights. If you’ve ever wondered how high-level UAS testing actually works in the United States—and who makes it possible—this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look. To learn more about the range or schedule a tour, visit pendletonuasrange.com Have a drone question you’d like answered on a future episode…

People in this episode

Guest: Jesse Steele

Topics covered

FAA regulations
UAS test sites
test ranges
drone testing
commercial drones
defense applications

Keywords

UAS
test site
test range
COAs
drone testing
Pendleton
drone industry
Aviation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Drone Launch Academy, Airbus

Products: EVTOL

Places: Pendleton UAS Range, United States