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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-16672, Airworthiness Directives; Air Tractor, Inc. Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-16- 06, which applied to all Air Tractor, Inc. (Air Tractor) Model AT-802 and AT-802A airplanes with Wipaire, Inc. Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. SA01795CH installed. AD 2024-16-06 required repetitively inspecting the left and right, forward and rear, horizontal stabilizer spars for cracks, replacing any horizontal stabilizer spar found cracked or damaged, installing bathtub fittings, and reporting inspection results to the FAA. Since the FAA issued AD 2024-16-06, additional cracks in the horizontal stabilizer spars were reported where the vertical fin structural support brace mounts to the horizontal stabilizer spar. This AD retains all the actions of AD 2024- 16-06 and adds inspections to another area. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16655, Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Engines
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-13- 09, which applied to all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) Model PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S engines. AD 2026-13-09 required repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. Since the FAA issued AD 2026-13-09, a manufacturer's analysis revealed that turbine exhaust frames manufactured from a certain material were less durable and more susceptible to developing cracks under thermal stress. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the turbine exhaust frame for cracks at different initial inspection thresholds than required by AD 2026-13-09 based on the material used during manufacture and, depending on the results of the inspections, replacement of the turbine exhaust frame. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16640, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a determination that a gap without fire-resistant sealant (sealant) may be present in the cargo bay near the fuel segregation box. This proposed AD would require inspecting for any missing sealant and, depending on findings, corrective action. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13210, Notice of Petition for Extension of Waiver of Compliance
Canadian National Railway (CN) asked the Federal Railroad Administration to extend their special permission to test important signal systems every 4 years instead of every 2 years. This change affects how often CN must check their microprocessor-based train signals, helping them save time and money. The public can share their thoughts on this by August 31, 2026.
Next: 2026-13212, Joint Industry Plan; Order Approving the Fifty-Fifth Amendment to the Joint Self-Regulatory Organization Plan Governing the Collection, Consolidation and Dissemination of Quotation and Transaction Information for Nasdaq-Listed Securities Traded on Exchanges on an Unlisted Trading Privileges Basis, as Modified by Amendment No. 1 Thereto
The big stock exchanges and regulators agreed to keep the system that shares Nasdaq stock prices and trades running for longer hours each day. This change helps traders get up-to-date info outside regular market times, making trading smoother and more transparent. The new hours start March 12, 2026, and won’t cost extra but will keep everyone better connected.