Several federal agencies including the FAA, the Department of Justice, and the Federal Communications Commission worked together recently to compile a document called the Advisory on the Application of Federal Laws to the Acquisition and Use of Technology to Detect and Mitigate Unmanned Aircraft Systems. This guide is an overview to help non-federal entities understand their options to respond to threats posed by UAS. Detection and mitigation methods discussed range from non-kinetic methods such as signal jamming to kinetic methods employing nets or projectiles.
The Advisory details several federal laws and regulations which must be considered when evaluating counter-UAS capabilities. These include criminal laws related to surveillance as well as to damaging computers or aircraft, as well as FAA’s statutory and regulatory authority over aircraft and airspace. Since the Advisory covers only federal laws and regulations, it also cautions that state or local laws may apply and thus that any entity considering counter-UAS measures should consult with counsel for further guidance.
