All airports holding certificates under Part 139 of the Federal Aviation Regulations are required to have an emergency plan that includes procedures for dealing with potential disasters.  For Class I airports, this includes holding full-scale airport emergency plan exercises on a regular basis.  See 14 CFR § 139.325.  New guidance from the FAA will make it easier for airports to use drones during these exercises.

The FAA’s On Airport Unmanned Aircraft System Operations guidance provides important information for airport sponsors, drone operators, contractors, and aviation professionals seeking to understand how these technologies can be used safely and responsibly.

Airports present a unique operating environment because drones may share space with crewed aircraft, ground vehicles, airport personnel, and critical infrastructure.  As a result, drone operations must be evaluated with particular attention to aviation safety, airspace restrictions, airport security, and operational procedures.

The FAA has provided two options for authorizing drone flights at airports.  First, airports can operate under the Part 107 rules for unmanned aircraft by utilizing a UAS and pilot that meets those requirements.  The second is to operate the UAS under the general aviation rules under Part 91.  While flying a UAS under Part 91 takes more planning and effort, it can open the door to additional capabilities, such as using aircraft that exceed the weight limits of Part 107.

• For Part 107 operators, the airport can apply for an Airspace Authorization through FAADroneZone for controlled airspace. The website includes details on the processing timeline.  This authorization requirement applies to airport authorities and contractors operating on their behalf, as well as other operators seeking to conduct on-airport flights. The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) cannot be used to request authorization for on-airport operations.
• For Part 91 operators, the airport can apply for a Certificate of Authorization (COA) via CAPS regardless of the airspace class.  Airport sponsors can also obtain information on the processing timeline for such requests. 

Planning ahead is essential because authorization requests require processing time.  Operators should submit applications sufficiently early and avoid assuming that a request will be approved before a scheduled operation.

Drone technology has considerable potential to improve airport inspections, infrastructure management, security monitoring, wildlife observation, and emergency response.  FAA research continues to identify practical applications while evaluating the technology’s capabilities and limitations.

The central message of the FAA’s guidance is clear: innovation must be accompanied by coordination, authorization, and a commitment to safety.  Airport sponsors and drone operators should understand their respective responsibilities, obtain the necessary approvals, involve relevant stakeholders, and continue using established inspection and compliance methods wherever required.

By taking a deliberate, safety-first approach, airports can explore the benefits of drone technology while protecting aircraft operations, airport personnel, passengers, and critical infrastructure.