The State of UAS Operations at Airports, A Perspective from Airport Managers

As the number of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operating in our National Airspace System (NAS) increases, so do UAS operations near or at an airport. The accelerating technology in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and related business opportunities will only further increase UAS operations at airports. This continued growth in new UAS technologies and applications introduces new hazards and risks to the airport environment. This proliferation of UAS highlights the importance of airports developing a robust Safety Management System (SMS) that includes specific UAS risk mitigations. There is currently little empirical data regarding UAS traffic around airports and there is no system established to collect this data at a national level. This study provides insight into UAS operations across a broader airport population by surveying airport managers in the United States (U.S.). Research results found that 62% of airports surveyed are experiencing an increase in UAS operations near their airports. This increase applies to all airspace classifications, with 67% of airports located in Class B, C, D controlled airspace experiencing increased UAS operations. Although the majority of airports have experienced increasing UAS operations, only 27% of airports have a UAS safety plan. Similarly, an increase in adverse UAS events reported near airports suggests that UAS operators may also lack robust safety plans, or an understanding of the risks and regulations associated with operating near airports.