Ruth Haines
The presence of drones in airport airspace has become an increasingly common issue, with several prominent airports suffering from malicious or careless drone incursions. Drones pose a significant threat to aircraft safety, and even a slight collision can have disastrous consequences. While airports are developing protocols for responding to drone sightings, their ability to take down drones is limited by laws classifying drones as aircraft in flight. As a result, airports must involve government agencies to initiate countermeasures. This has led to calls for the military to be deployed to shoot down drones, but experts warn that this poses a safety risk and is illegal. With the rise in drone use, it is crucial to adopt comprehensive airspace security programs and technologies to protect airports and passengers from drone incursions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airports shut down a drone? | International aviation agencies classify a drone flying as an aircraft in flight. If an airport were to take it down, they would have then legally downed an aircraft. |
| Drone sightings at airports | In 2018, a drone was spotted at Gatwick Airport, leading to a 33-hour shutdown and the cancellation of over 1,000 flights. Newark Airport, Dublin Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Madrid Airport, Frankfurt Airport, and New York Stewart International Airport are among other airports that have experienced temporary closures due to drone sightings. |
| Drone incidents at airports | In 2017, a drone collided with a passenger aircraft at Jean Lesage Airport in Quebec City. A drone was also discovered on the runway of JFK International Airport in New York during an inspection, and a Virgin Atlantic flight had a near-miss collision with a drone at London Heathrow. |
| Counter-drone technology | Radio frequency jammers and other technologies are being developed to counter drones, but they are not yet authorized for commercial or airport use. |
| Drone regulations | In most jurisdictions, drones must be registered, and operators must follow rules such as flying below 400 feet, keeping the drone in sight, avoiding other aircraft, and not causing a hazard to people or property. |
| Drone detection | Technologies like DJI's AeroScope system can detect and locate drones and their operators, and geo-fencing has been implemented to prevent drones from entering critical areas like runways without special permission. |
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What You'll Learn
Drone sightings near airports are common
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports each month. These sightings are made by pilots, citizens, and law enforcement personnel. Unauthorized drone operations near airports are dangerous and illegal, and operators may face stiff fines or even criminal charges. Despite the risks and regulations, drone sightings near airports remain frequent.
The increase in drone sightings can be attributed to the growing popularity of drones. The number of operators with permission to fly drones commercially has increased significantly in recent years. This has resulted in a corresponding rise in near misses between drones and aircraft. For example, in the UK, the number of near misses tripled between 2015 and 2017, with 92 near misses reported in 2017 alone.
To address the issue of drones near airports, several measures have been implemented. Some airports have geo-fencing in place, which prevents drones from entering critical areas such as runways without special permission. Additionally, the FAA has been working to educate drone operators about safe and legal flying practices through the "Know Before You Fly" campaign. However, the effectiveness of these measures is limited, and airports remain vulnerable to drone incursions.
The challenge of countering drones is further complicated by the difficulty in identifying drone operators. Unlike cars, drones do not have easily visible license plates, and it is challenging to determine the intention of the operator. This anonymity can make it difficult to enforce regulations and prevent unauthorized drone operations near airports. As a result, airports continue to be at risk of disruptions and potential safety hazards due to drone sightings.
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Airports can't shoot down drones
The presence of drones in airspace shared with airports poses a significant threat to aviation safety. Unauthorized drone activity has caused major disruptions at airports worldwide, including incidents at Newark Airport, Dublin Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Madrid Airport, Frankfurt Airport, and Gatwick Airport. These incidents have resulted in the suspension of air traffic, delayed and canceled flights, and significant financial losses for airlines and airports.
While airports need protocols for responding to drone sightings, they must also be cautious about false reports, as shutting down an airport due to unverified drone sightings can have repercussions. Drones are challenging to regulate because, unlike cars, their license plates are not easily visible, making it difficult to identify the operator and assess their intentions.
Despite the availability of drone detection technology, airports rarely use it, and there are limited legal options for countering drones. International aviation agencies classify drones as aircraft in flight, so if an airport were to shoot one down, they would be considered to have downed an aircraft. As a result, airports cannot take unilateral action without involving government agencies to initiate countermeasures.
Technological solutions are being developed to address this issue, such as radio frequency jammers, but they are not yet authorized for commercial or airport use. In the meantime, airports must rely on drone detection and mitigation strategies, working with relevant authorities to assess the credibility of reports and determine appropriate response measures to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.
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Drone operators must follow rules
Drone operators must follow a set of rules and regulations to ensure safety and avoid any potential threats to airports and aircrafts. Here are some key rules that drone operators must adhere to:
First and foremost, drone registration is mandatory for drones exceeding a certain weight limit, which varies by region. For instance, in the United States, registration is required for drones weighing more than 0.55 lbs (250 grams). This registration process helps identify drone operators and promotes responsible drone usage. Failure to register a drone may result in penalties or fines.
Drone operators must also adhere to altitude restrictions. In uncontrolled airspace, drones should generally be flown at or below 400 feet to avoid interfering with aircraft traffic. However, specific regulations may differ across regions, and drone operators should always refer to their local aviation authority's guidelines.
Another crucial rule is maintaining a safe distance from airports and aircraft. Drone operators must not interfere with airport operations or the flight paths of aircraft. This includes avoiding takeoff and landing areas and yielding the right-of-way to all other aircraft. Unauthorized drone incursions near airports have resulted in significant disruptions and even shutdowns of airport operations, emphasizing the importance of responsible drone usage.
Drone operators are also typically required to follow safety guidelines and regulations established by aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. These guidelines may include restrictions on flying under the influence of drugs or alcohol, flying over people, moving vehicles, or large crowds, and endangering the safety of national airspace.
Additionally, drone operators intending to fly for commercial purposes must obtain the necessary certifications and licenses. For example, in the United States, a Remote Pilot Certificate – Part 107 license from the FAA is required for commercial drone operations. This ensures that operators have the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct drone flights safely and responsibly.
Lastly, drone operators should stay informed about any updates or changes to drone regulations. As the use of drones becomes more prevalent, aviation authorities are continuously evaluating and implementing new rules to ensure the safe integration of drones into the airspace. By staying abreast of these developments, drone operators can ensure they are compliant with the latest requirements.
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Airports need anti-drone protocols
The use of drones has become increasingly popular, with a three-fold increase in operators with permission to commercially fly drones between 2016 and 2018. This has resulted in a higher number of near misses with aircraft, with the UK Airprox Board (UKAB) reporting 92 near misses in 2017, compared to 29 in 2015. The physical threat posed by drones is significant, as evidenced by a drone collision with a passenger aircraft in 2017.
With the rise in drone use, airports need to develop anti-drone protocols to prevent dangerous incursions and shut downs. The first step is to implement protocols for responding to drone sightings, including the use of drone detection technology. Airports must also establish clear restrictions for drone flying near their airspace. This includes setting altitude limitations and no-fly zones, such as critical areas like runways, which require special permission to unlock.
To effectively enforce these restrictions, airports can utilize geo-fencing technology, which clearly displays airport boundaries and prevents drones from entering restricted areas. Additionally, airports can require drone operators to receive airspace authorization for flights within controlled airspace, ensuring they are aware of and avoid traffic patterns and takeoff and landing areas.
While radio frequency jammers and other counter-drone technologies are being developed, their use may require government involvement and is not yet authorized for commercial or airport use. Until comprehensive airspace security programs are implemented globally, airports remain vulnerable to drone incursions, as seen in the 2018 Gatwick Airport shutdown and various other incidents worldwide.
To summarize, the increasing popularity of drones and the associated safety risks highlight the urgent need for airports to establish anti-drone protocols. These protocols should include detection technology, clear restrictions, and enforcement measures, with the support of government agencies, to prevent dangerous drone incursions and ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers.
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Drone sightings can be bogus
Drone sightings near airports are a serious issue, and airports have shut down due to drone sightings in the past. In 2018, drone sightings caused a 33-hour shutdown of Gatwick Airport's runways, resulting in over 1,000 flight cancellations and significant financial losses. Newark Airport in New Jersey, Dublin Airport, Singapore Changi Airport, Madrid Airport, and Frankfurt Airport have also experienced temporary closures due to drone incursions.
However, it is important to note that not all drone sightings are confirmed or accurate. There have been instances where reported drone sightings turned out to be false or mistaken. For example, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have stated that many drone sightings may not be drones at all, and could be cases of mistaken identity involving manned aircraft or facilities. In the case of the Gatwick incident, Adam Lisberg, a head policy spokesman, stated that the reports were unverified and unconfirmed.
The increase in drone use has led to a rise in near misses between drones and aircraft. Figures from the UK Civil Aviation Authority show a tripling of near misses since 2015, with 92 near misses involving commercial aircraft reported in 2017. While drones pose a potential threat to aviation safety, the presence of drones does not always indicate malicious activity or a security threat. Federal authorities in the United States have asserted that recent drone sightings over several East Coast states do not appear to pose a public safety or national security risk.
The challenge with drones is that it is difficult to identify the operator and their intentions. Drones are required to be registered in many jurisdictions, but it is hard to obtain information about the operator during a potential incident. Additionally, an uncooperative or hostile drone operator can disable the Remote ID broadcast, making it harder to track and identify the drone.
While airports are developing protocols for responding to drone sightings, they must be cautious about false or bogus reports. The implementation of counter-drone technologies, such as radio frequency jammers, is still ongoing, and airports must navigate legal complexities when considering taking down a drone.
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Frequently asked questions
Airports cannot legally shoot down drones as they are classified as aircraft in flight. However, airports can implement counter-drone technologies such as radio frequency jammers, geo-fencing, and smart batteries.
Airports will typically suspend air traffic and shut down runways until the drone leaves their airspace.
Yes, you need authorization from the FAA to fly your drone within the controlled airspace around an airport. You can check for controlled airspace and other flying restrictions using the B4UFLY app.
If you see a drone flying unsafely and posing an immediate threat, you should contact local law enforcement.
