The FAA said today it has completed tests of new drone-detection technology at John F. Kennedy International Airport, in New York. The tests, which began May 2, studied the effectiveness of a detection system developed by the FBI. Five different rotorcraft and fixed-wing UAS participated in the evaluations, and about 40 separate tests took place, the FAA said. “We face many difficult challenges as we integrate rapidly evolving UAS technology into our complex and highly regulated airspace,” said Marke Gibson, FAA senior advisor on UAS integration. “This effort at JFK reflects everyone’s commitment to safety.” A team of experts from government and industry now are evaluating the test results.
The FAA says it has received numerous reports from pilots and residents about unmanned aircraft systems around some of the nation’s busiest airports, including JFK, over the last two years. FAA Administrator Michael Huerta also recently announced the establishment of a new drone advisory committee to help the FAA and industry engage on matters of mutual concern. “We need to work with our stakeholders to establish priorities and hold each other to them,” Huerta said.
