The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is inviting public comments regarding the integration of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) into airport operations.
According to a March 23 notice in the Federal Register, the FAA will conduct research in the form of written responses or interviews with aviation stakeholders including airport and droneport operators, UAS vendors, private entities, military representatives and academia. It intends to catalogue current and planned droneport planning, design and infrastructure needs, as well as determine which airports are integrating UAS into the airport environment.
The information will help the FAA understand how aviation stakeholders are integrating UAS into existing airport design standards and infrastructure and droneports. It will also be used to help the FAA shape future droneport research efforts and possible standards and guidance material. Based on the results of the research effort, the FAA may develop a formal definition for a droneport.
“The effort will focus on both UAS with weights lower than 55 pounds ( i.e., small UAS) and UAS aircraft weighing 55 pounds or more (and include operational considerations for cargo transport),” the notice states. “Both fixed wing and rotary operations will be considered to create a baseline understanding before establishing infrastructure design requirements and safety standards for existing and standalone facilities referred to as a droneport.”
Written comments should be submitted by April 22, 2026.
For more information
FAA request for comments at the Federal Register
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