FAA to Share Secret Radar Data With Drone Startups
Published Date: 6/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The FAA is launching a Radar Data Pilot Program to share special airspace radar data with qualified groups like drone companies and tech testers. Starting June 26, 2026, these groups can apply to get access to this data to help improve air traffic and drone management. This program aims to boost innovation while keeping sensitive info safe, with no direct cost mentioned yet.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Eligibility Limited to SLTT Governments
Only U.S. State, Local, Tribal, or Territorial (SLTT) government entities comprised of legal U.S. residents that meet FAA need-to-know and duty-to-protect requirements are eligible to access the radar data feeds. Eligibility must comply with FAA Order 1600.75 and applicable federal laws and regulations.
Pilot Limited to Three Participants
The FAA anticipates the RDPP will be limited to no more than three (3) participants due to infrastructure capacity and personnel resource limits. Selection and provisioning are at FAA discretion.
Data Is Sensitive; Security Controls Required
The radar data feeds include Sensitive Unclassified Information (SUI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and access requires demonstrating need-to-know and duty to protect under FAA Order 1600.75. Selected participants must enter into required security agreements before receiving data.
No Latency/Availability Guarantees (Best Effort)
Provisioning of FAA NAS radar data will be facilitated via the NAS Enterprise Security Gateway (NESG) and the FAA will provide data on a best-effort basis with no service level agreement for latency or availability. Data performance is not guaranteed.
Applications Open June 26, 2026
The FAA is accepting applications for the Radar Data Pilot Program starting June 26, 2026 on Sam.gov. Interested parties should refer to the Request for Information (RFI) on Sam.gov to apply.
Legal Agreements and Ongoing Compliance Required
Selected participants must enter into a legally binding Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) and an Interconnection Security Agreement with the FAA. Participation does not relieve applicants from complying with UAS operating requirements in the Code of Federal Regulations and United States Code.
Program Sunset on October 1, 2028
The RDPP will end (sunset) on October 1, 2028. Any provisioning of radar data to participants is limited to the pilot period and to durations that support each participant's Concept of Operations at FAA discretion.
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Key Dates
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