New research warns drones pose growing collision risk to aircraft

New research and fresh rulemaking in August 2025 warn that drones pose growing collision risks near airports and heliports, pushing the FAA toward tougher safety tech and new right-of-way rules.

Published July 17 and followed by an August 5–6 proposal, the findings and rule package rely on Remote ID data and aim to make drone use safer while keeping deliveries, farming, and emergency work moving.

What the new research shows

A nationwide study led by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University found drone activity near airports, heliports, and neighborhoods is higher than expected.

Using Remote ID signals, researchers sampled 6,037 flights and discovered frequent altitude violations beyond the FAA’s 400-foot cap for most operations:

• 573 flights between 400–500 feet
• 781 flights above 500 feet
• About 10% of observed flying time occurred in airspace usually reserved for manned aircraft

The risk is not abstract. In 2024, drones accounted for nearly two-thirds of reported near midair collisions at the 30 busiest U.S. airports, the highest share since 2020.

• Heliports are especially exposed, with drones detected as close as 0.5 nautical miles (about 3,000 feet).
• Many heliports are not shown on standard charts, making them hard for drone pilots to avoid.

What the FAA proposed in August 2025

The FAA’s August 5–6 proposed rule would open the door for routine beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for drones up to 1,320 pounds. The stated aim is a “predictable and clear pathway for safe, routine, and scalable UAS operations,” covering uses such as package delivery, agriculture, and emergency services.

Key elements:

• Right-of-way changes
  • In certain airspace, drones could gain right of way over manned aircraft that are not broadcasting ADS-B Out or a future low-cost electronic conspicuity (EC) device.
  • Manned aircraft that broadcast ADS-B/EC or operate in specific high-density locations retain priority.
• No blanket ADS-B mandate below 500 feet
  • The FAA considered requiring ADS-B Out for all manned aircraft at low level but declined due to cost.
  • Instead it proposes a new EC device to help manned pilots retain right of way without heavy expense.
• Operational limits
  • The rule would ban drone flights over open-air assemblies such as beaches and large gatherings, with definitions handled case by case.
• Collision avoidance direction
  • The FAA signaled it is moving toward mandatory collision avoidance technology on drones to reduce conflicts.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy framed the approach as “unleashing American drone dominance,” pointing to economic gains and safer integration if all sides follow the rules.

Who could be affected

• General aviation pilots
  • If right-of-way rules shift, pilots who fly without ADS-B/EC may face added risk and pressure to adopt new gear.
  • The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) says it will review and comment due to safety concerns.
• Commercial drone operators
  • Clear BVLOS rules would help companies scale operations.
  • But collision avoidance requirements and geofencing updates could raise costs.
• Helicopter operators and medevac crews
  • Low-altitude routes near uncharted heliports remain busy; drones nearby, even at legal altitudes, narrow separation margins.
• Residents near airports and heliports
  • More drone activity in neighborhoods increases noise and safety worries.
  • Better charting and enforcement may help.
• Students and researchers
  • University programs that rely on drones should plan for Remote ID compliance, altitude limits, and possible equipment upgrades.

Practical steps for drone pilots now

While rulemaking proceeds, pilots can reduce risk and stay compliant:

1. Register your drone and keep proof on hand. (More than 865,000 drones registered as of August 2025.)
2. Use Remote ID and verify your broadcast before flight.
3. Respect the 400-foot limit unless your operation is authorized.
4. Avoid open-air assemblies and remain well clear of airports and heliports.
5. Check current charts and facility maps before each flight; give extra space to hospital rooftops and helipads that may not be charted.
6. Log incidents and maintenance to support safety and insurance needs.

Safety tech and costs

The FAA is steering the market toward standard collision avoidance on drones. This typically involves:

• Onboard sensors
• Detect-and-avoid software
• Reliable command-and-control links

Industry groups support these tools because they prevent conflicts and unlock BVLOS. Legal experts note over 4,250 drone-related injuries in the past five years, highlighting the need for:

• Operator training
• Insurance
• Simple preflight checklists

For manned aircraft at low altitude, the proposed EC device offers a middle path: better electronic visibility without the full ADS‑B Out price tag. This could help keep small operators and flight schools active while improving shared awareness.

Community example

Imagine a delivery drone crossing a neighborhood two miles from a major airport:

• The drone broadcasts Remote ID, stays below 400 feet, and follows a geofenced route avoiding schools and parks.
• A medevac helicopter lifts from a nearby hospital and broadcasts its location.
• The drone’s collision avoidance system triggers an automatic turn and descent to increase separation.
• Nobody on the ground notices anything unusual.

This layered approach—Remote ID, geofencing, collision avoidance, and broadcasted manned traffic—is the outcome the FAA aims to make routine.

But if the drone strays above 400 feet or the helicopter is not broadcasting and passes low over houses, the margin for error shrinks. That is why the proposal ties right-of-way to electronic visibility and urges better charting of heliports.

Timeline, public comment, and resources

• The FAA proposal is open for public comment now, with final rules expected in late 2025 or early 2026.
• Stakeholders should read the text, share real-world examples, and suggest fixes—especially on:
  • Clear definitions for “open-air assembly”
  • Practical separation from uncharted heliports
  • Costs and standards for collision avoidance and EC devices
  • Data-sharing built on Remote ID that protects privacy while improving safety

For official information, visit the FAA’s UAS page: https://www.faa.gov/uas

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, plain-language explainers and timely updates help global readers follow rule changes and take part in public comment.

The bottom line

• The data show the risk is rising at low altitude, especially near airports and heliports.
• The FAA’s plan would expand BVLOS while tying right-of-way to ADS-B/EC visibility.
• Mandatory collision avoidance for drones is becoming likely.
• Adding heliports to charts and keeping drones below 400 feet can reduce conflicts now.

If you fly, keep Remote ID on, know your airspace, and give manned aircraft a wide berth. That simple discipline—backed by smarter tech and clearer rules—will keep the United States 🇺🇸 airspace safer for everyone.