In an effort to study how birds are able to fly long distances, as well as lowering energy in man-made planes, associate professor of aerospace engineering Dr. Jack Langelaan applied to the Federal Aviation Administration for a drone to use at Penn State, said university spokeswoman Lisa Powers via email.
Powers said Langelaan researches unmanned airfcraft in the aerospace engineering department.
“His application for a drone license was intended to use the drone to validate his analyses and models for this kind of low-energy flight in birds,” Powers said.
The application for the drone was denied, Powers said. In addition, there has not been and there is not currently research being done at Penn State concerning unmanned flying drones, she said.
The FAA had no comment.
Read Tuesday's edition of The Daily Collegian for more details.
