The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to do more to help state, local, and Tribal authorities use technology resources necessary to investigate unauthorized aerial drone activity, according to a June 6 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report.

The Federal Aviation Administration installed Data Communications technology at Chicago O’Hare and Midway airports, allowing pilots and air traffic controllers to send takeoff information via text communication.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the Department of Homeland Security conducted drone detection technology research at Denver International Airport this week.

The use of Data Communications technology has begun at Washington Dulles International Airport. The technology is part of the FAA’s NextGen Initiative, which seeks to increase safety and efficiency in airports. Data Comm technology enables text-based communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.

The Federal Aviation Administration will replace existing air traffic control procedures in Southern California with new satellite-based procedures as part of its Next Generation Air Transportation System.