On Airport Unmanned Aircraft System Operations

Aerial image of airport showing how UAS might be used
Aerial View of Potential On-airport Applications for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The proliferation of interest in and use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, has led to significant policy and regulatory adaptations to integrate these platforms into the airport environment. As the technology and its use continues to mature, the FAA is committed to conducting research and providing policy and guidance to ensure the safe operation of UAS on-airports.

For questions about UAS registration, airspace authorization, waivers, law enforcement resources and more, visit www.faa.gov/uas/.

Airports Unmanned Aircraft System Contacts
Office Contacts
FAA Airports Emerging Entrants Division Mike DiPilato, Program Manager
202-267-6238
Michael.DiPilato@faa.gov
FAA Technical Center Garrison Canter, UAS Research Lead
Garrison.J.Canter@faa.gov
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)

Additional Information

The following two buttons apply to both the FAQs and Related Research and Articles sections:

FAQs

UAS Guidance & Resources

Regulations and Policy

On or Near Airport

Airspace Authorizations

Last updated: Tuesday, February 25, 2025