FAA Tests Drone Detection After East Coast Sightings
## FAA Conducts Drone Detection Tests in New Jersey Following Unexplained Sightings
**Cape May, NJ** – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting two weeks of drone detection system tests in Cape May, New Jersey, utilizing approximately 100 drones ranging in size and weight (from less than one pound to nearly 1,320 pounds). The tests, which began April 14th and conclude April 25th, are designed to assess the effectiveness of various technologies, including Remote ID, Acoustic Array, and X-Band radar, in detecting unauthorized drones. The FAA aims to determine if these systems interfere with existing FAA or aircraft navigation systems.
This initiative follows a series of unexplained drone sightings in New Jersey during November and December of last year, prompting investigations from federal and local agencies. While officials, including White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby, stated that the sightings comprised a mix of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones, along with other airborne objects mistaken for drones, they emphasized that there was no evidence of a security threat.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, in a video message, characterized the previous administration's handling of the situation as a "drone fiasco" and highlighted the current administration’s commitment to "radical transparency." He underscored that these tests are crucial for protecting national security and public safety, ensuring the FAA can effectively detect drones and prevent interference with air travel. The FAA reports receiving over 100 drone-related incidents near airports monthly.
The tests in New Jersey are part of a broader initiative. Similar testing has already been completed in Alaska, with future tests planned for New Mexico, North Dakota, and Mississippi. However, previous anti-drone system tests conducted by the Secret Service and US Navy in Washington D.C. triggered collision alerts in approaching aircraft, underscoring the potential complexities of such technologies.
Former Navy fighter pilot and co-founder of Americans for Safe Aerospace, Ryan Graves, praised the FAA's initiative as a logical step, emphasizing the increasing prevalence of drones in various sectors, including commercial deliveries and newsgathering. He highlighted the need for robust systems to manage this growing airspace traffic and ensure both aviation and national security.
**Cape May, NJ** – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting two weeks of drone detection system tests in Cape May, New Jersey, utilizing approximately 100 drones ranging in size and weight (from less than one pound to nearly 1,320 pounds). The tests, which began April 14th and conclude April 25th, are designed to assess the effectiveness of various technologies, including Remote ID, Acoustic Array, and X-Band radar, in detecting unauthorized drones. The FAA aims to determine if these systems interfere with existing FAA or aircraft navigation systems.
This initiative follows a series of unexplained drone sightings in New Jersey during November and December of last year, prompting investigations from federal and local agencies. While officials, including White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby, stated that the sightings comprised a mix of commercial, hobbyist, and law enforcement drones, along with other airborne objects mistaken for drones, they emphasized that there was no evidence of a security threat.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, in a video message, characterized the previous administration's handling of the situation as a "drone fiasco" and highlighted the current administration’s commitment to "radical transparency." He underscored that these tests are crucial for protecting national security and public safety, ensuring the FAA can effectively detect drones and prevent interference with air travel. The FAA reports receiving over 100 drone-related incidents near airports monthly.
The tests in New Jersey are part of a broader initiative. Similar testing has already been completed in Alaska, with future tests planned for New Mexico, North Dakota, and Mississippi. However, previous anti-drone system tests conducted by the Secret Service and US Navy in Washington D.C. triggered collision alerts in approaching aircraft, underscoring the potential complexities of such technologies.
Former Navy fighter pilot and co-founder of Americans for Safe Aerospace, Ryan Graves, praised the FAA's initiative as a logical step, emphasizing the increasing prevalence of drones in various sectors, including commercial deliveries and newsgathering. He highlighted the need for robust systems to manage this growing airspace traffic and ensure both aviation and national security.
