The FAA will test a prototype UAS sensor detection system to evaluate its effectiveness in detecting, identifying, and tracking unmanned aerial vehicles and their ground-based operators that use them near airports.

The use of drones is expanding in the construction industry as they are found to be valuable tools for performing such jobs as scouting project sites and inspecting work during and after the building process. Yet it is illegal to fly them for anything other than for hobby and recreational purposes without the Federal Aviation Administration's authorization. And they are cracking down on lawbreakers.

Recently the agency entered into an agreement with CACI International Inc. to evaluate how the company's technology can help detect unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the vicinity of airports. This partnership is part of the larger UAS Pathfinder Program, which the FAA announced in May 2015 to explore the next steps in unmanned aircraft operations beyond those proposed in February in the draft small UAS rule.

A steep increase in reports of small unmanned aircraft in close proximity to runways is presenting a new challenge for the FAA, which states that it is their responsibility to identify possible gaps in safety and address them before an incident occurs.

CACI has a prototype UAS sensor detection system that, according to John Mengucci, CACI's C.O.O. and president of U.S. operations, can provide a "way to passively detect, identify, and track UAS or aerial drones and their ground-based operators. This CACI-built solution will help ensure a safe, shared airspace while supporting responsible UAS users' right to operate their aircraft. "

In testimony before the House Aviation Subcommittee, FAA deputy administrator Mike Whitaker said that his agency wants to assess the safety and security capabilities of CACI's product within a five-mile radius of airports.

"We are concerned about the increasing number of instances where pilots have reported seeing unmanned aircraft flying nearby, " said Whitaker.

The technology will be evaluated at airports selected by the FAA. The agency and its federal government partners will work with the company to gauge the effectiveness of the technology, while also ensuring that it does not interfere with the safety and security of normal airport operations.