The Miami International Airport (MIA) was selected by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this week as a test site for new drone detection technology. The new technology includes detect, track, and identify (DTI) equipment which will be used to identify unauthorized drones that enter restricted airspace. The airport was chosen as a test site for this technology in part because there is already a “perimeter protection pilot” program being tested there. The TSA said that the perimeter protection system and DTI technology are designed to protect the airport from both ground and aerial intrusion.

The perimeter protection system includes thermal sensors, 360-degree cameras, and infrared illuminators, while the DTI equipment allows the airport to gather information about the height, altitude, direction, speed, type, and operator of any unidentified crafts. Captain Jim Bamberger, TSA’s Counter-UAS Capability Manager, said that the focus of the DTI equipment will be to identify “non-compliant [drone] operator[s], the criminal operator, or the careless operator” so as to prevent these types of operators from unauthorized entry. It is anticipated that the DTI equipment will be updated every two to three months to accommodate changing technology and threats.

All of the information gathered by this DTI equipment will be available to airport authorities via a tablet system. The hope is that technology like this being tested at MIA can be used to benefit and protect airports across the country.

Photo of Kathryn Rattigan Kathryn Rattigan

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy+ Cybersecurity Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and security…

Kathryn Rattigan is a member of the Business Litigation Group and the Data Privacy+ Cybersecurity Team. She concentrates her practice on privacy and security compliance under both state and federal regulations and advising clients on website and mobile app privacy and security compliance. Kathryn helps clients review, revise and implement necessary policies and procedures under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). She also provides clients with the information needed to effectively and efficiently handle potential and confirmed data breaches while providing insight into federal regulations and requirements for notification and an assessment under state breach notification laws. Prior to joining the firm, Kathryn was an associate at Nixon Peabody. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Roger Williams University School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Stonehill College. She is admitted to practice law in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Read her full rc.com bio here.