News and Updates – FAA Statement on UAS Detection Systems at Airports

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 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 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 we refine our processes and procedures for safe UAS detection system use and coordinated operational response at or around airports.

The FAA 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.