Autonomous Ground Vehicle Systems on Airports
Autonomous Ground Vehicle Systems (AGVS)
The testing of autonomous ground vehicle systems (AGVS), which includes remotely operated devices/equipment, at airports has recently become more prevalent, both domestically and internationally. As the demand for more efficient airport operations grows, there is heightened interest in adopting AGVS (driverless) technology for a variety of airport functions. These applications include but are not limited to: maintenance vehicles (such as mowers, snow removal equipment, sweepers, and foreign object debris (FOD) detection/retrieval systems), perimeter security vehicles, self-driving aircraft tugs, baggage carts, employee buses, and passenger shuttles.
The FAA enthusiastically welcomes innovative implementation of this new entrant technology, but above all, must ensure that it is integrated safely into active airport environments. To that end, the FAA is currently exploring various approaches to researching this technology with the intent of developing standards and guidance to address the use of AGVS at airports.
- May 23, 2025: Emerging Entrants Bulletin 25-02, Testing and Demonstrating Autonomous Ground Vehicle Systems (AGVS) at Federally Obligated Airports (PDF)
- May 23, 2025: Autonomous ground vehicle systems frequently asked questions, at the bottom of this webpage, have been updated to address AGVS testing and demonstrations in closed movement areas (and their associated safety areas).
Airport Autonomous Ground Vehicle System Contacts
| Office | Contacts |
|---|---|
| FAA Airports Emerging Entrants Division |
Mike DiPilato, Program Manager Jonathan Torres, General Engineer |
| FAA Airports Safety and Operations Division | Vern Jackson, Airport Operations Specialist Verned.Jackson@faa.gov |
| FAA Airports Engineering Division | John Merck, Civil Engineer John.Merck@faa.gov |
| FAA Technical Center – Airport Safety Research and Development Section |
Russ Gorman, General Engineer Sean Van Dongen, General Engineer |
| Airports Regional Contacts | Alaskan Central (IA, KS, MO, NE) Eastern (DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV) Great Lakes (IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, OH, SD, WI) New England (CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT) Northwest Mountain (CO, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, WY) Southern (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, VI) Southwest (AR, LA, NM, OK, TX) Western-Pacific (AZ, CA, HI, NV, GU, AS, MH) |
FAA Published Information
- Emerging Entrants Bulletin 25-02: Testing and Demonstrating Autonomous Ground Vehicle Systems (AGVS) at Federally Obligated Airports (PDF)
- Part 139 CertAlert 24-02: Autonomous Ground Vehicle Systems (AGVS) Technology on Airports | Federal Aviation Administration (faa.gov)
Related Research
- Advanced Ground Vehicle Technologies for Airside Operations | The National Academies Press
- PARAS 0021: Utilization of Autonomous Vehicles for Security at Airports – Airside Planning, Design, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance (trb.org)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: The FAA does support testing of AGVS by airports when conducted in a controlled environment. Contact your regional FAA Airport Certification and Safety Inspector for Part 139 airports or Regional Airports Division / Airports District Office for federally obligated general aviation airports early in the planning and coordination process.
A: Certain remote areas of the airport or landside locations are viewed as safer environments for exploring AGVS because they offer a more controlled, less-congested, and low-speed environment for testing and operation which will reduce the risk of accidents or incidents involving these vehicles or equipment.
A: Contact your regional FAA Airport Certification and Safety Inspector early in the planning and coordination process.
A: Contact the FAA Airports District Office and/or Regional Airports Office early in the planning and coordination process.
A: Airport operators are encouraged to engage their local stakeholders to ensure awareness once testing activities have been authorized and are in progress.
A: Yes, AGVS may be operationally tested in movement areas (and their associated safety areas) that are closed to aircraft operations. However, airport sponsors must take action to ensure that associated risks with AGVS are understood, properly considered, and mitigated to prevent introducing unsafe conditions onto the airport. If safety questions arise, contact the FAA Regional Airports Division/Airports District Offices (ADOs) for assistance on how to best address the issue. Moreover, to the extent possible, refrain from implementing plans to close airport areas exclusively for AGVS testing or demonstrations, as this could limit access for other tenants. Coordination with your FAA Regional Airports Division/ADO is recommended to ensure that such closures do not violate federal grant assurances.