Radar Data Pilot Program (RDPP) – Solicitation of Participants
Read the official document (2026-13211)
Who should care: Qualifying state, local, tribal and territorial government entities.
Nothing changes for individual remote pilots. The FAA's June 30, 2026 notice announced a data-access pilot program open to qualifying U.S. state, local, tribal and territorial government entities.
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Who this affectsWhat the document saysWhat changes in practiceWhat it does not doDoes this affect the Part 107 exam?Who this affects
Qualifying U.S. state, local, tribal or territorial (SLTT) government entities, comprised of legal U.S. residents, that meet the requirements for access to sensitive FAA radar data. Selected participants must execute the required FAA agreements. Private companies are not independently eligible applicants under this notice, and individual remote pilots are not affected.
What the document says
Under Section 905 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the FAA's June 30, 2026 notice announced an RDPP solicitation, with applications opening June 26, 2026 on SAM.gov, for a pilot program that would make airspace data feeds containing Sensitive Unclassified Information (SUI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) available to qualified users. The FAA has established a collaborative qualification process with DoD and other federal agencies to vet applicants. The goal is to enable or test ATM and UTM services, or technologies that may enhance them.
What changes in practice
Nothing for a working remote pilot. You do not apply for this, you do not receive this data, and your operating limits, airspace rules, or Part 107 obligations are untouched. This is an infrastructure-level pilot for qualifying government entities. Check the current SAM.gov solicitation for whether applications are still open.
What it does not do
Does not open any new airspace. Does not change remote pilot operating rules. Does not create a new certification or waiver category. Does not provide any data feed to individual pilots or small operators. Does not establish a UTM rule — it is a pilot program. Does not alter the Part 107 exam or any existing regulatory requirement.
Does this affect the Part 107 exam?
This notice does not amend Part 107 operating or certification requirements. RDPP participation is not a separately identified topic in the FAA's published Remote Pilot Airman Certification Standards.
Gear mentioned on this page
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High-end camera drones, such as the DJI Mavic 3 Pro
An optional example of a camera drone designed for aerial photography and video. It is not connected to the notice on this page.See options on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Reviewed and updated September 2026.
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