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News from around the Northwest about uncrewed systems and robotics
from the Cascade Chapter of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International
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| | NOVEMBER 2025 NEWS & EVENTS | | |
JOIN US FOR HOLIDAY NETWORKING FUN!
Wednesday, December 17th, 5:30PM-8:00PM
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Jingle, jingle, it’s time to mix and mingle!
Celebrate the holidays with us and connect with new and existing colleagues in the uncrewed and robotics industry while enjoying appetizers and beverages (one drink on us!)
Guests are welcome, but Register Today since registration is limited.
REGISTER HERE
Wednesday, December 17th, 5:30-8:00pm,
Willamette Valley Country Club
900 Country Club Place, Canby, Oregon
AND....
STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT OUR NETWORKING EVENT IN WASHINGTON MID JANUARY!
| | | Thank you to our Amazing Fall Symposium Speakers and Sponsors!
| | Thank You to Our 2025 Annual Sponsors | | Join AUVSI and be sure to affiliate with Cascade Chapter | |
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- Log into your profile
- Click on 'Edit Profile'
- Click 'Chapter' on the left navigation and select your chapter from the dropdown list
- Click 'Save' and you’ll see your chapter displayed on the right side of your profile
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Join the Washington State Delegation to Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026
Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) is the premier global event for cabin interiors, in-flight entertainment, and the passenger experience. It’s where the aviation supply chain meets decision-makers from OEMs, Tier1’s and other key leaders who are shaping the future of flight. Washington State is proud to support aerospace companies with the tools they need to succeed on the international stage – from booth space in a high-traffic location to export assistance and on-the-ground guidance. Our experienced Commerce team helps you make the most of the show, so you can focus on building relationships and growing your global business. To learn more or to register please reach out to joanna.boatwright@commerce.wa.gov.
| | LOCAL & NATIONAL NEWS & EVENTS | | | | |
The City of Pendleton dba Pendleton UAS Range is pleased to announce that we've named Jesse Steele as our new UAS Range Manager. Steele brings more than a decade of flight operations and test management experience, including leadership roles with the U.S. Navy and the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). He’s managed over 600 flight test missions for rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft and directed large-scale air operations aboard the USS Lewis B. Puller.
In his new role, Steele will oversee daily operations, safety, and customer coordination at Pendleton’s 14,000 square miles of FAA-approved airspace, continuing the range’s growth as America’s Most Turnkey UAS Range for commercial and defense programs.
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Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge Opens Applications for 2026 Cohort
The Oregon UAS Accelerator announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Oregon UAS Innovation Challenge, a competitive, milestone-driven program designed to accelerate growth for startups in the unmanned and autonomous systems ecosystem. This year’s expanded scope welcomes companies developing aerial platforms, ground robotics, sensors, payloads, AI/ML, and supporting technologies at TRL 3 or higher.
The Oregon UAS Accelerator is Oregon's premier program for accelerating unmanned aerial systems, robotics, and autonomous technology startups. Through competitive programming, comprehensive testing infrastructure, and direct investor access, the accelerator supports the development of Oregon's position as a national hub for autonomous systems innovation.
Key Dates
● Application Deadline: December 4, 2025
● Program Start: January 13, 2026
● Hybrid Pitch Event: April 14–18, 2026
● Final Showcase: May 2026 in Pendleton, OR
More Details...
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OTHER NEWS FROM THE OREGON UAS ACCELERATOR
Joseph Wyno, Executive Director, Oregon UAS Accelerator was recently featured on The Unmanned Podcast by USI with host Matthew Hernandez. This is a national podcast where we discussed how Oregon is emerging as a national leader in UAS technology, testing, and startup innovation.
The conversation highlights Oregon’s unique advantages for drone and robotics development, including its statewide test ranges and the collaborative ecosystem that enables innovation.
The episode also explores:
• The Accelerator’s 12-Week Innovator Challenge and live test range opportunities
• Success stories like Zing Drone Solutions and advancements in counter-UAS technology
• Practical insights for founders on market fit, team building, and partnership development
Tune in Here for YouTube
For Spotify
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Drones Help Areas Devastated by Wildfires
Bloom Again in Oregon
In October, KGW TV did a great job promoting what we are doing with Drones for our community and for the College.
Cascade Chapter Board Member, Mike" Davis, PhD, Professor UAS Technology was featured how Columbia Gorge Community College drones are helping restore ranchlands in the area around Tygh Valley after the fast-moving Larch Creek Fire in July 2024.
Watch the newscast for great footage of the application!
Click Here for the Newscast
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The FCC is tightening rules that could lead to a ban on new DJI products in the US, effective December 23, 2025.
This stems from the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which requires a national security audit of DJI. If the audit is not completed by the deadline, DJI will be added to the FCC's "Covered List," automatically blocking new imports, including not just drones but all devices with radio transmitters. The new rules also grant the FCC the power to retroactively ban previously approved devices by revoking their authorization.
More Details
| | RESOURCES AND INFORMATION | | | |
AAM Prepared, AUVSI
AUVSI advocacy initiative is supported by Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry leaders and manufacturers to help states and localities prepare for the future of advanced air transportation. Learn more about the campaign’s legislative proposals, research, and supporters at auvsi.org/aam-prepared.
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Setting the Standard for Safe, Skilled, and Accountable Uncrewed Maritime System Operations. As uncrewed maritime systems (UMS) rapidly expand across industries from offshore energy and infrastructure inspection to national security and environmental monitoring, ensuring safe, professional operations has never been more critical.
Learn more
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Trusted UAS Operators
As uncrewed systems become more integrated into commercial, public safety, and government operations, professional certification is essential to ensure safety, consistency, and public trust. AUVSI’s Trusted Operator program was developed in collaboration with industry leaders to align remote pilot training with recognized standards and to support global acceptance of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS).
Learn more
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AUVSI Green UAS
EXPEDITED, STREAMLINED VETTING
In partnership with its members and other key industry stakeholders, AUVSI created the Green UAS certification to provide expedited and streamlined vetting of commercial and non-defense drone technologies to support end-users confidence when procuring systems and to bolster the drone and component manufacturing base for secure drone systems.
Green UAS Certification builds upon the Blue UAS program to specifically serve the commercial and non-defense drone community with access to the same level of verification and certification for cybersecurity and NDAA supply chain compliance.
MORE INFORMATION!
| | | | Now included with AUVSI Organizational Membership! AUVSI’s Uncrewed Systems and Robotics Database is the largest comprehensive and searchable database of all uncrewed vehicles and robotic products operating in the air, ground and maritime domains. LEARN MORE! | | |
Up-to-date, detailed information on uncrewed vehicles and robotic products.
Unparalleled access to data spanning civil, commercial and military markets.
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Save with AUVSI Affinity Programs
Take advantage of AUVSI member affinity programs, which offer you various services and products at special member rates. Whether you are looking for drone insurance, help earning the FAA-required pilot's certificate, savings on shipping, or more, AUVSI has something for you. Participation in these programs can achieve a true return on your membership investment. LEARN MORE!
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Check Out AUVSI's Aville Today!
Embark on a learning journey this month with AUVSI’s exclusive webinars on Aville! Our virtual stage is set for a month of thrilling insights and discoveries. These webinars are tailor-made to ignite your curiosity and elevate your understanding of cutting-edge advancements. Explore the options and join the ones that resonate with you the most! Visit Aville!
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PLEASE REMEMBER TO GIVE CASCADE CHAPTER CREDIT
Chapter members can register for AUVSI National events using the code CHCASCADE and the Chapter receives a 5% Commission on the total cost of the registration.
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Northwest Aerospace News Magazine | | | | |
Current Issue Available Online Now!
For the most current information on Pacific Northwest Aerospace suppliers, subscribe to Northwest Aerospace News Magazine. It is free to receive and valuable to read.
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Your News is Our News!
Please tell us about your upcoming events.
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Are you looking for employment in the Uncrewed Industry?
Employers, do you have jobs to list? Visit the AUVSI Career Center
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Get a list of technically vetted candidates currently open to new opportunities! Top technical talent goes fast, so let us know if any align with your current project based or hiring needs.
Sigma Design specializes in technical staffing for manufacturing and engineering companies.
Visit our website
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Do you have a story to share? Send an email to Lori Brown
and your company could be featured in an upcoming newsletter!
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