Hearing Report: DFW Testifies Before House Aviation Subcommittee on Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems
February 6, 2025
This morning, the House Aviation Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations and ways to coordinate and expand detection and mitigation activities beyond what is currently permitted for both federal agencies and state and local law enforcement. Chris McLaughlin, Executive Vice President of Operations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, testified about UAS in the airport environment, how an unauthorized drone
could be catastrophic, and how improved detection and mitigation strategies could help address these risks. Dr. Catherine Cahill, Ph.D., Director of the Alaska Center for UAS Integration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Lisa Ellman, Executive Director for the Commercial Drone Alliance, also testified at the hearing.
During the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) repeatedly stated that Congress “needs to come up with a solution to address drones flying in restricted airspace where they do not belong.” He elaborated that this should include a properly scaled, well-balanced framework to reform and reasonably expand counter-UAS (C-UAS) authorities for federal agencies and pilot programs to delegate detection and mitigation authorities to nonfederal entities, as appropriate.
Both Chair Nehls and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) referenced H.R. 8610, the bipartisan Counter-UAS Authority, Security, Safety and Reauthorization Act the Committee approved last September that included these expanded authorities. After gathering more feedback, including from the witnesses at this hearing, the Committee plans to re-introduce a modified version of this legislation.
McLaughlin’s testimony highlighted both the threats and benefits of drones, or UAS, at airports. For example, authorized drones can provide an invaluable tool for airports by enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and innovation. His written testimony included specific examples such as serving as a force multiplier in command-and-control situations, providing critical overwatch during major incidents or emergencies, enabling remote searches of suspicious bags or vehicles without exposing personnel to potential risks, or for wildlife detection.
On the other hand, McLaughlin explained that airports face unique challenges with drone threats due to the dynamic nature of the airport environment. Unlike other critical infrastructure, airports must manage the airspace in real-time, ensuring drone operations don’t disrupt essential commercial aviation operations and that C-UAS efforts don’t unintentionally jeopardize the same.
McLaughlin was repeatedly questioned about drone operations at DFW and how they respond to those operated inappropriately. DFW is one of a limited number of airports that currently have UAS detection systems at their facility. DFW has a standing team to monitor their detection systems and respond as appropriate. In most cases where a response is required, McLaughlin explained, operators just needed to be educated on the proper use of the drone. In a very limited number of cases, he urged the committee to provide airports with the ability to utilize a UAS mitigation system, beginning with a pilot program. McLaughlin noted that mitigation, as well as detection, should be optional for the airport community, as it may not be appropriate for all airports.
More Information:
You can watch the hearing in its entirety or read the witnesses’ statements on the Committee website.
This morning, the House Aviation Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operations and ways to coordinate and expand detection and mitigation activities beyond what is currently permitted for both federal agencies and state and local law enforcement. Chris McLaughlin, Executive Vice President of Operations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, testified about UAS in the airport environment, how an unauthorized drone
could be catastrophic, and how improved detection and mitigation strategies could help address these risks. Dr. Catherine Cahill, Ph.D., Director of the Alaska Center for UAS Integration at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Lisa Ellman, Executive Director for the Commercial Drone Alliance, also testified at the hearing.
During the hearing, Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) repeatedly stated that Congress “needs to come up with a solution to address drones flying in restricted airspace where they do not belong.” He elaborated that this should include a properly scaled, well-balanced framework to reform and reasonably expand counter-UAS (C-UAS) authorities for federal agencies and pilot programs to delegate detection and mitigation authorities to nonfederal entities, as appropriate.
Both Chair Nehls and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA) referenced H.R. 8610, the bipartisan Counter-UAS Authority, Security, Safety and Reauthorization Act the Committee approved last September that included these expanded authorities. After gathering more feedback, including from the witnesses at this hearing, the Committee plans to re-introduce a modified version of this legislation.
McLaughlin’s testimony highlighted both the threats and benefits of drones, or UAS, at airports. For example, authorized drones can provide an invaluable tool for airports by enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and innovation. His written testimony included specific examples such as serving as a force multiplier in command-and-control situations, providing critical overwatch during major incidents or emergencies, enabling remote searches of suspicious bags or vehicles without exposing personnel to potential risks, or for wildlife detection.
On the other hand, McLaughlin explained that airports face unique challenges with drone threats due to the dynamic nature of the airport environment. Unlike other critical infrastructure, airports must manage the airspace in real-time, ensuring drone operations don’t disrupt essential commercial aviation operations and that C-UAS efforts don’t unintentionally jeopardize the same.
McLaughlin was repeatedly questioned about drone operations at DFW and how they respond to those operated inappropriately. DFW is one of a limited number of airports that currently have UAS detection systems at their facility. DFW has a standing team to monitor their detection systems and respond as appropriate. In most cases where a response is required, McLaughlin explained, operators just needed to be educated on the proper use of the drone. In a very limited number of cases, he urged the committee to provide airports with the ability to utilize a UAS mitigation system, beginning with a pilot program. McLaughlin noted that mitigation, as well as detection, should be optional for the airport community, as it may not be appropriate for all airports.
More Information:
You can watch the hearing in its entirety or read the witnesses’ statements on the Committee website.
