Federal Aviation Administration Needs Clearer Plan for Drone Communication and Collision Avoidance

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) has identified a need for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to establish clearer actions and milestones to ensure that drones can effectively communicate with and avoid other aircraft in the nation’s airspace. This recommendation comes as drone operations, including package delivery and public safety missions, are rapidly expanding.

The GAO’s review found that while the FAA is working to integrate drones into the National Airspace System (NAS), current technology limitations mean that drones cannot engage in the two-way communication necessary for robust collision avoidance. While some drones can detect manned aircraft using technologies like Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), which broadcasts position information, this system is not universally adopted by all aircraft, and it does not facilitate communication with drones. For drones operating beyond the visual line of sight of their operators, current FAA waivers often rely on ADS-B, though other technologies such as cameras, acoustic sensors, or ground radar can also be employed to detect aircraft that are not broadcasting their location. However, drone industry stakeholders have indicated that while combining some of these technologies with ADS-B could enhance safety, it also presents challenges, such as increased weight on the drones, which can impact flight safety.

The FAA envisions an information-centric NAS where all users, including drones, share their location data electronically. To achieve this, the agency acknowledges the need for new technologies that enable two-way communication. The FAA has proposed regulations, introduced in 2025, that would mandate drones flying beyond visual line of sight to be capable of detecting and avoiding other aircraft. Despite these proposals, the GAO found that the FAA has not yet outlined specific steps, such as defining clear roles for various entities or establishing definitive technical timelines, that would guide the development and implementation of these crucial two-way communication capabilities. Congress has directed the FAA to develop a comprehensive plan for the future NAS by May 2027, and the GAO suggests that developing concrete actions now would build upon existing drone integration efforts and contribute to the overall safety of the airspace.

Commercial drone operations are experiencing significant growth, with the FAA forecasting the commercial drone fleet to surpass one million by the end of 2025 and reach 1.18 million by 2029. This increase in drone activity has heightened concerns about the potential for mid-air collisions with manned aircraft. The GAO’s examination was prompted by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which mandated a review of drone detect-and-avoid technologies, specifically for manned aircraft at low altitudes. The study focused on small drones, defined as those weighing less than 55 pounds, due to their prevalence in low-altitude operations.

The GAO’s primary recommendation calls for the FAA to develop and initiate a plan that includes specific actions, such as defining clear responsibilities for both federal and non-federal parties, alongside crucial technical milestones. These measures are intended to ensure that drones are equipped to communicate with and avoid other aircraft as the NAS evolves into a more information-centric environment. The Department of Transportation has indicated its agreement with this recommendation.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the U.S. Government Accountability Office

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