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University of Maryland School of Engineering now a test site for drones

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The School of Engineering is buzzing at the University of Maryland.

The school now has an outdoor test site for drones. The area is called the Fearless Flight Facility, and it complies with FAA regulations since the campus is close to D.C.

The facility is made of netting, so the drones can be tested in any weather condition without the fear of breaking them.  

Drones can be used for search and recovery efforts in natural disasters, and the Dean of the School of Engineering, Dr. Darryll Pines, said students are working on technology to use drones to help take down crime. 

"Someone wants to fly a drone into your prison and drop contraband to an inmate, maybe even a weapon, maybe just drugs, whatever it is we want to be able to detect that and prevent that from happening," said Dr. Pines. 

Right now the facility is just for students, but it will be open to the community soon.