New drone training game changer for TSA, Federal Air Marshals

Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas has hosted major events from the Super Bowl to championship boxing to the popular Consumer Electronics Show. The city’s latest event was a significant groundbreaker for TSA. 

TSA’s Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service (LE/FAMS) held its first-ever training event at Sam Boyd Stadium, a decommissioned stadium where the University of Nevada, Las Vegas played football for nearly five decades. The three-day inaugural training culminated with 18 Federal Air Marshals (FAMs) earning certifications needed to fly TSA’s fleet of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), also known as drones.

FAMs are required to earn a certification before flying the LE/FAMS’ sUAS fleet. The newly certified sUAS pilots can now fly the agency’s Skydio X10 drones.

“This inaugural sUAS pilot certification training is a game changer for LE/FAMS and TSA,” proclaimed Serge Potapov, executive director of the LE/FAMS Flight Programs Branch. “By integrating cutting-edge drone technology into our law enforcement tool kit, we are enhancing our ability to safeguard transportation security with greater reach, precision and efficiency.” 

Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge Ty Fletcher said the new training and certification marks a significant step forward in expanding LE/FAMS’ capabilities in law enforcement and threat assessments by using advanced drone technology.

“Unmanned aircraft systems have radically changed how the federal government serves and protects its citizens, and now TSA is on the cutting edge of incorporating sUAS into our core mission of protecting the traveling public,” said Fletcher. “sUAS use allows FAMs to assess airport vulnerabilities more efficiently and cost effectively.”

It’s not uncommon for TSA to spot drones around the nation’s airports, which can create a significant security risk.

“Airports had been stuck only conducting tabletop UAS response exercises, but now LE/FAMS can support TSA Security Operations with the next step in airport UAS response by actually launching a drone as part of a more robust planning exercise,” Fletcher noted. “The certified pilots can begin immediately flying sUAS in support of their respective duties to include airport perimeters assessments, critical infrastructure vulnerability analysis and airport UAS response exercises.”

LE/FAMS partnered with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department (LVMPD) for the opening sUAS training certification.

“The decommissioned stadium, coupled with Las Vegas’ favorable climate and open terrain, provided an excellent environment for practical hands-on training and will likely by the venue for the next several iterations of the course,” said Fletcher. “The LVMPD uses the stadium for all their sUAS pilot skills development, and due to the strong working relationship with LE/FAMS Las Vegas, LVMPD offered the cost-free use of the stadium for all TSA sUAS pilot certification courses.”

Fletcher said LE/FAMS is coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration and local stakeholders to integrate TSA’s sUAS capabilities into the agency’s upcoming airport assessments. 

TSA has already scheduled its second sUAS pilot certification event next month at the same location to train Midwest LE/FAMS field offices and this summer plans to train the remaining field office sUAS pilots on the East Coast. 

Potapov said UAS and growing technology play significant roles in TSA’s mission to protect the nation’s transportation systems. 

“Technology continues to shape the future of security and law enforcement operations, and this training is a critical step in ensuring LE/FAMS remains at the forefront of innovation,” Potapov emphasized. “The new Skydio X10 drones offer unparalleled navigation and optical capabilities, allowing our teams to operate with a higher level of precision in complex environments.”

You might say “the sky’s the limit” for TSA and its agency’s partners.

By Don Wagner, TSA Strategic Communications & Public Affairs