An unmanned aerial vehicle spotted at the Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, NC on March 9 caused operational difficulties, delayed flights, and raised concerns of gaps in security. Law enforcement agencies are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the drone operator, with the FBI calling the incident an “illegal intrusion.” This is not the first time such an incident has occurred, and disruptions will likely continue to occur the federal government takes action to allow airports, and trained law enforcement, to detect and mitigate unauthorized UAS incursions.

Local law enforcement and airport authorities can prepare for incident response by learning from recommendations released by the Blue Ribbon Task Force on UAS Mitigation at Airports. Commissioned in 2019 by AUVSI and the Airports Council International-North America, the recommendations reflect best practices from experts in technology, security and defense, government, law enforcement, and those working in the National Air Space System, including UAS operators, pilots, air traffic controllers, and airline and airport leadership. The Task Force’s recommendations address this critical issue and provide a framework on how best to mitigate and respond to incidents like those experienced at Piedmont Triad International.

However, the fundamental issue at the root of this challenge is the current regulatory framework. UAS deterrence at airports and other facilities, like national landmarks and public gatherings, is a shared responsibility that should be undertaken in conjunction with federal agencies.

To that end, the Task Force recommendations urge Congress and federal agencies continue to study this issue and propose national standards. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making progress toward this goal, recently naming five airports that will participate its Airport Unmanned Aircraft Systems Detection and Mitigation Research Program. The Atlantic City International Airport in Atlantic City, New Jersey; Syracuse Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York; Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio; Huntsville International Airport in Huntsville, Alabama; and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in Seattle, Washington will host technology designed to detect and diminish risks posed by drones. Findings will inform standards for UAS mitigation and confrontation at airports nationwide.

Without a robust federal role, unacceptable security gaps will continue to exist. By adopting recommendations formed by industry stakeholders, including those from the Blue Ribbon Task Force, regulators can refine a clear UAS security process for airports and their partners to follow.