Drone Intrusion: Airports Face A New Challenge

The increasing popularity of drones has led to concerns about their impact on airports. Drones can cause significant disruption to airports, including flight delays and serious safety and security threats. Airports are investing in drone detection and mitigation solutions to tackle the growing threat, but the challenge remains. Drone operators must be cautious when flying near airports, as it is challenging for manned aircraft to spot and avoid drones. This paragraph will explore the effects of drones on airports and the measures in place to address this issue.

Drone detection and mitigation solutions

To address this issue, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been testing technologies to detect and prevent drones from entering restricted airspace. The FAA has also been working with local law enforcement groups to provide resources on how to use drones and detect unauthorized drone activity. However, it has been acknowledged that the FAA needs to do more to support law enforcement in their efforts to enforce drone-related laws, particularly regarding the use of Remote ID technology.

To effectively detect and mitigate drone incidents at airports, security and operations teams should collaborate with aviation and law enforcement authorities to establish restrictions against unauthorized drone activity. This includes defining the roles and responsibilities of each party in the event of an incident and identifying the necessary detection and mitigation solutions.

There are a variety of drone detection and mitigation technologies available, ranging from Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) systems to custom-made systems. For example, ELVIRA's micro-Doppler technology can detect, track, and monitor multiple drones simultaneously, and it can be equipped with a high-resolution camera for precision imaging. Dedrone's anti-drone solutions also offer protection against unauthorized drones and are compatible with anti-drone radar technology.

It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for drone detection and mitigation. A comprehensive counter-drone strategy should combine detection and mitigation solutions to provide optimal coverage. By working with integrators, airports can streamline the process and ensure they have the necessary information to defend against drone threats.

Safety and security threats

Drones can cause serious safety and security threats to airports. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published manuals to help airports tackle the growing drone threat. The number of drones in the US alone is expected to reach nearly 3 million, and they are being used for a variety of purposes, including business, research, education, and recreation. As the drone market grows, so does the threat to airports.

Unauthorized drone activity can cause significant disruption to the aviation industry, leading to flight delays and cancellations. For example, in July 2022, operations were halted at Reagan Washington National Airport due to a drone sighting. Similarly, in June 2023, an unauthorized drone caused a 30-minute ground stop at Pittsburgh International Airport. In December 2018, multiple drone sightings forced Gatwick Airport to suspend operations for 33 hours, disrupting 1,000 flights and affecting 140,000 passengers.

Drones pose a threat to airport safety and security because they are difficult for manned aircraft to see and avoid while flying. Drone operators must be vigilant and avoid manned aircraft, as they are responsible for any safety hazards their drone creates in an airport environment. Drone operators should also be aware of traffic patterns, takeoff and landing areas, and yield the right-of-way to all other aircraft.

To mitigate the risks posed by drones, aviation and law enforcement authorities at both the national and local levels must work together. Drone detection and mitigation technology, such as Remote ID, is crucial in identifying and investigating unauthorized drone activities. However, local law enforcement may not have the necessary technology or resources to access Remote ID information effectively. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with the required resources and training to enforce drone-related laws and respond to unauthorized drone activities promptly.

Flight delays

Drones can cause flight delays at airports. Airports are classified as restricted airspace for private and commercial drone operators. Drone sightings at airports can cause flight suspensions, leading to delays and cancellations. For instance, in 2019, drone sightings caused Dublin Airport and Gatwick Airport to temporarily suspend flights, stranding thousands of passengers. In July 2022, drone sightings halted flight operations at Reagan Washington National Airport, and in June 2023, an unauthorized drone caused a 30-minute ground stop at Pittsburgh International Airport.

Drone operators are responsible for any safety hazards their drones create in an airport environment. Drone sightings can impede aircraft operations, and it is challenging for manned aircraft to see and avoid drones while flying. Drone operators must avoid manned aircraft and receive airspace authorization for flights near airports in controlled airspace. Despite these regulations, the increasing popularity of drones has led to a significant number of drone sightings near airports, with incidents occurring nearly daily since 2021.

Drone sightings near airports can result in serious safety and security threats to travellers. Drones can interfere with airport operations and pose challenges to law enforcement in identifying and locating unauthorized drone operators. Drones don't have license plate numbers, but they are generally required to have Remote ID, which transmits identification, location, and performance information to people on the ground and other airspace users. However, local law enforcement may lack the technology or resources to access this information effectively.

To address these challenges, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has worked with local law enforcement to provide resources on drone usage and tested technologies to detect and prevent drones from entering restricted airspace. The FAA is also pursuing efforts to allow more drone flights in authorized spaces, but they acknowledge the potential unknown effects of drone detection technologies on their other drone initiatives. As the number of drones in the U.S. continues to grow, reaching nearly 3 million, it becomes increasingly important to balance their practical uses with ensuring the safety and efficiency of airport operations.

Drone authorisations and restrictions

Drone operators are advised to avoid flying near airports as they can pose serious safety and security threats to travellers. Airports present a challenging environment for manned aircraft to see and avoid drones, and drone operators must take responsibility for any hazards their drone creates.

Drone operators must receive prior authorisation to fly in controlled airspace near airports, and these authorisations come with altitude limitations and other operational provisions. However, if the drone remains under 400 feet above the ground in uncontrolled airspace near an airport, prior authorisation is not required. In these cases, remote pilots must be aware of and avoid traffic patterns, as well as takeoff and landing areas, and must not interfere with airport operations.

Drone operators can apply for permissions and approvals to fly in restricted airspace or under special conditions. These applications are assessed, and if approved, the operator will receive a flight approval or permission instrument outlining the conditions of operation. Drone races, for example, may be organised by clubs and associations that have received operational authorisations from their National Aviation Authorities. Alternatively, they may fall under the ''open' category if they are conducted outside of clubs or associations and without spectators. The ''open' category is the main reference for most leisure drone activities and low-risk commercial activities, and it is subdivided into three sub-categories: A1, A2, and A3. Each subcategory has its own requirements, and operators must identify which rules and training apply to their specific drone operations.

Drone operators are also typically required to have Remote ID, which transmits identification, location, and performance information to people on the ground and other airspace users. This technology helps law enforcement identify and locate operators flying drones that interfere with airport operations, although there are challenges with local law enforcement accessing this information.

Law enforcement challenges

The increasing popularity of drones has led to a surge in their usage for various purposes, such as business, research, education, and recreation. This has resulted in a significant number of drone sightings near airports, causing safety and security concerns. Local law enforcement agencies are typically the first responders to unauthorized drone activity around airports. However, they face several challenges in enforcing drone-related laws and ensuring safe and legal drone usage.

One of the primary challenges for law enforcement is identifying and locating the drone operator. Drones do not have license plate numbers, making it difficult to trace their operators. While drones are mandated to have Remote ID technology, which transmits identification, location, and performance information, local law enforcement agencies often lack the technology and resources to access this data effectively. This challenge of identifying the operator hinders their ability to respond promptly and take necessary actions during unauthorized drone activities.

Another challenge for law enforcement is the dynamic and evolving nature of drone laws and regulations. Drone laws and regulations are in a constant state of flux, with new legislation frequently being introduced at the state and federal levels. This rapidly changing legal landscape makes it difficult for law enforcement agencies to stay updated and ensure compliance with the latest rules and restrictions. Keeping abreast of these changes and interpreting how they apply to drone usage near airports can be demanding for law enforcement personnel.

Furthermore, the use of drones by law enforcement agencies themselves raises legal and ethical considerations. The Fourth Amendment's protections against unreasonable searches and seizures come into play when drones are used for surveillance. The small size and maneuverability of drones allow them to access spaces that traditional aircraft cannot, blurring the lines of privacy and property rights. This has led to concerns about potential violations of the Fourth Amendment, particularly at low altitudes. As a result, law enforcement agencies must navigate a complex landscape of constitutional rights and public safety considerations when employing drones for surveillance or other purposes.

To address these challenges, law enforcement agencies should establish clear and concise drone policies that align with applicable federal and state laws. Collaborating with organizations like Lexipol, which provides up-to-date law enforcement drone policies, can help agencies stay informed about changing regulations. Additionally, agencies should invest in training their personnel to effectively use drones and related technology, such as Remote ID, for their work while also respecting privacy rights and adhering to constitutional boundaries.

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