FAA Provides Statement on UAS Detection Systems at Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated in a release that the agency understands airport safety and security concerns raised by the malicious or errant use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The agency shares these concerns.

In order to support the safe integration of UAS detection systems into the airport environment, the FAA has provided important information and continues to work closely with airport operators who are considering installing UAS detection systems or have already installed such systems on or near their airports. The agency expects to supplement this information with additional information related to UAS detection system coordination as they refine their processes and procedures for safe UAS detection system use and coordinated operational response at or around airports.

The FAA has also provided information regarding the prohibition on the use of non-federal counter-UAS technologies at or around airports. These systems could pose an aviation safety risk by interfering with aircraft navigation and air navigation services. The FAA does not support the use of counter-UAS systems by any entities other than federal departments with explicit statutory authority to use this technology, including requirements for extensive coordination with the FAA to ensure safety risks are mitigated.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.