Improper counter-drone testing performed by the Secret Service and US Navy created false collision warnings for business plane approaching Washington, DC’s Ronald Reagan Nationwide Airport on March 1, in line with congressional testimony revealed on March 27.
The incident raises critical security considerations on the identical airport the place a deadly mid-air collision occurred between a business jet and navy helicopter simply weeks earlier on January 29.
Alarming Security Incident Uncovered Throughout Congressional Listening to
Throughout an aviation security listening to on Capitol Hill, Senator Ted Cruz, chair of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, described the state of affairs as “very disturbing.” A number of business pilots reported receiving warnings from their Visitors Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) whereas approaching Reagan Nationwide.
These warnings “suggested pilots of an impending menace from above, in some case directing the crews to take evasive motion by descending,” in line with Cruz’s testimony. The timing of those incidents was significantly regarding, occurring only a month after the tragic mid-air collision that claimed 67 lives when plane plunged into the ice-covered Potomac River.
Technical Interference Regardless of Prior Warnings
The basis reason behind the false warnings seems to be technical interference attributable to improper spectrum utilization. Cruz asserted that the Secret Service and US Navy had been “improperly testing counter-Drone Know-how” at Reagan Nationwide on the day of the incidents.
“Apparently, the Navy was utilizing the identical spectrum band as TCAS, inflicting the interference and defective decision advisories – although the FAA had beforehand warned the navy and the Secret Service towards utilizing that particular spectrum band on account of interference dangers,” Cruz acknowledged throughout the listening to.
When requested to substantiate whether or not this account was correct, Chris Rocheleau, sitting administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, responded, “Sure, sir, that’s appropriate.”
Congressional Investigation Forthcoming
Senator Cruz expressed his intention to launch a committee investigation into why this testing was allowed to happen regardless of prior FAA warnings about interference dangers. The incident highlights potential gaps in coordination between navy, safety companies, and civil aviation authorities, particularly regarding spectrum administration and counter-drone expertise testing protocols.
“It’s deeply disturbing that only a month after 67 folks died” that such testing had been allowed to happen, Cruz emphasised throughout the listening to.
Ongoing Investigation of January Collision
The March 1 incident occurred whereas the Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) continues its investigation into the January 29 collision between a US Military Blackhawk helicopter and a PSA Airways MHIRJ CRJ700 regional jet.
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy testified on March 27 {that a} crew of 40 accident investigators is working to finalize their report inside one 12 months, “barring unexpected circumstances.” The NTSB revealed a preliminary report earlier in March however has but to find out a possible trigger for the deadly accident.
The January collision has prompted a number of operational modifications at Reagan Nationwide Airport, which serves as a vital transportation hub for the nation’s capital area.
DroneXL’s Take
This incident underscores the advanced challenges of integrating counter-drone applied sciences into environments with energetic business aviation. As counter-UAS techniques grow to be extra prevalent for safety functions round delicate amenities like airports and authorities buildings, correct spectrum administration and interagency coordination are important to stop harmful interference with vital security techniques like TCAS.
The congressional investigation could result in extra stringent protocols for testing counter-drone applied sciences close to energetic airports and spotlight the necessity for devoted testing amenities away from business air visitors. This case serves as a sobering reminder that counter-drone applied sciences, whereas more and more obligatory for safety, should be deployed with rigorous security concerns to keep away from creating the very risks they goal to stop.
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