FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF News) – The FAA conducted the latest in a series of drone-detection system evaluations at DFW Airport this week.
The agency said it has received 1800 reports of drones near airports last year and DFW International gets a few reports a month.
A private company offered to put up sensors to spot the drones on radar and intercept radio signals to pinpoint their location and warn pilots.
The FAA recently flew drones near a runway to learn how to use the information. The agency’s Michael O’Hara said they are able to learn more when it works out in the open.
“This is particularly valuable to us because some of the conditions around large airports are difficult to recreate in a simulation or laboratory environment,” he said.
O’Hara said some residents who own and operate drones may not realize the possible dangers that can occur while flying them.
“Some people don’t know what flying safely means. It’s our preference to use education but we won’t hesitate to use enforcement,” he said.
Fines for drones near an airport have increased from $11,000 to more than $27,000.
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