Regulatory Alert: FAA Announces Airports Participating in the UAS Detection and Mitigation Research Program
March 2, 2021
This afternoon the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the airports that will be participating in the agency's 'Airport UAS Detection and Mitigation Research Program.' The airports include Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), Huntsville International Airport (HSV), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The fifth airport, Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), had already been selected because it is collocated with the FAA's Technical Center. 
Background. Pursuant to the 2018 FAA reauthorization bill, FAA is required to test and evaluate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) detection and mitigation technologies that detect and mitigate potential risks posed by UAS. As part of the mandate, FAA must evaluate at least 10 UAS detection and mitigation systems at 5 different airports to ensure that these systems do not adversely impact or interfere with airport operations or other air navigational facilities. Results from the testing will allow FAA to develop standards to guide which systems can be approved by FAA for safe use in an airport environment. 
FAA Briefing on the Research Program. AAAE was briefed on the program this afternoon during a meeting of the Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee's (REDAC) Airports Subcommittee. FAA indicated that 23 airports submitted applications to participate and the 4 that were selected met requirements for diverse testing environments and operating conditions. FAA also indicated that they are finalizing the list of UAS technology and system vendors that will be participating. The agency received around 45 responses from interested vendors and FAA plans to select about 10 in the near future. 
Next Steps. FAA indicated that testing of UAS detection and mitigation systems will begin later this year at Atlantic City, move to the additional airports selected, and conclude in 2023. AAAE is tracking this program closely to ensure that airports and their federal and local law enforcement partners have the necessary systems and resources available to address drone security and safety threats when they arise. 
Additional Resources
This afternoon the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the airports that will be participating in the agency's 'Airport UAS Detection and Mitigation Research Program.' The airports include Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK), Huntsville International Airport (HSV), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The fifth airport, Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), had already been selected because it is collocated with the FAA's Technical Center. 
Background. Pursuant to the 2018 FAA reauthorization bill, FAA is required to test and evaluate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) detection and mitigation technologies that detect and mitigate potential risks posed by UAS. As part of the mandate, FAA must evaluate at least 10 UAS detection and mitigation systems at 5 different airports to ensure that these systems do not adversely impact or interfere with airport operations or other air navigational facilities. Results from the testing will allow FAA to develop standards to guide which systems can be approved by FAA for safe use in an airport environment. 
FAA Briefing on the Research Program. AAAE was briefed on the program this afternoon during a meeting of the Research, Engineering and Development Advisory Committee's (REDAC) Airports Subcommittee. FAA indicated that 23 airports submitted applications to participate and the 4 that were selected met requirements for diverse testing environments and operating conditions. FAA also indicated that they are finalizing the list of UAS technology and system vendors that will be participating. The agency received around 45 responses from interested vendors and FAA plans to select about 10 in the near future. 
Next Steps. FAA indicated that testing of UAS detection and mitigation systems will begin later this year at Atlantic City, move to the additional airports selected, and conclude in 2023. AAAE is tracking this program closely to ensure that airports and their federal and local law enforcement partners have the necessary systems and resources available to address drone security and safety threats when they arise. 
Additional Resources
- AAAE's September 4 Regulatory Alert with a Summary of the Research Program
- FAA's Press Release on the Announcement of Participating Airports 
