DRBA Commission Authorizes Lease with Pentagon Performance, Inc. at Millville Airport

MILLVILLE – Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) officials announced a new business lease with Pentagon Performance, Inc. (PPI) for Hangar 112 located at the Millville Airport. Pentagon Performance plans to lease space to operate an unmanned aerial systems (drone) training program. The DRBA Commissioners unanimously authorized the lease arrangements at the February monthly meeting. The initial term of the lease is for one (1) year. With mutual consent, Pentagon may renew the lease for four (4) additional one (1) year terms.
“We are pleased to be able to accommodate PPI with their plan to implement a comprehensive drone training program,” said Stephen Williams, Director of Airport Operations for the DRBA. “Drone use – both commercially and recreationally – continues to rapidly increase, and we believe it is important that operators of all types are knowledgeable and understand their responsibilities when it comes to flying these aircraft.”
Williams noted that the office space where the training program will commence is adjacent to a hangar facility that can be leased separately through a license agreement on an as needed basis for any required flight training purposes. “Safety is always paramount,” Williams added.
“We are pleased to establish a presence at the Millville Airport and hope to have a positive effect on our airport neighbors, the local community and our region,” said Tony LaSure, President, Pentagon Performance, Inc. “We are excited to be here.”
The DRBA supports the legal flying of drones, and has actively participated in research and development of new systems and technologies related to the integration of drones into the National Airspace System, and to the use of UAS for emergency management, homeland security, communications, precision agriculture, transportation infrastructure management and preservation, and many other emerging uses. In addition, the DRBA has actively pursued UAS applications that may help safeguard its transportation infrastructure at the Delaware Memorial Bridge and Cape May–Lewes Ferry, among other facilities.