EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will conduct drone-detection testing from Monday, June 16, through Friday, June 27, near Santa Teresa, the FAA said in a press release.
The FAA says it will operate several large drones and about 100 commercial off-the-shelf drones. Testing will take place all over the desert and near the old Rio Grande Speedway during the daytime on weekdays only.
The public should not fly recreational drones near this area during the testing period, the FAA said.
“This is the third in a series of off-airport tests the FAA has planned. The agency conducted the first test in Alaska and then near Cape May, New Jersey. The FAA selected the New Mexico location for its hot and arid climate, which supports the testing objectives. Additional testing is scheduled in North Dakota and Mississippi later this year,” the FAA said.
The FAA says these types of tests will help determine the effectiveness of the technology and whether they might interfere with aircraft navigation systems.
“The FAA receives more than 100 drone-sighting reports near airports each month, and we want to send a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters, and airports is dangerous and illegal,” the FAA said.
The FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research, in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Doña Ana County International Jetport, will conduct the testing. State and local first responders will also participate.
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