Utilities and critical infrastructure
FAA proposed Part 74: Remote ID monitoring for utilities and critical infrastructure.
Gargoyle is already in use at an electric substation. We’re ready to help eligible facilities meet the Remote ID monitoring requirement described in proposed FAA Part 74, with G1, Sentinel, and optional 24/7 managed monitoring.
Proposed rule. This guide discusses the May 6, 2026 proposal. Requirements may change before a final rule.
What is FAA Part 74?
The FAA’s proposed Part 74 would implement Section 2209 by creating a process for eligible fixed-site facilities to request an unmanned aircraft flight restriction (UAFR). Read the FAA proposal.
What Remote ID monitoring would be required?
Proposed §74.56(d) calls for the capability to receive Remote ID broadcasts within or near the requested restriction, directly or through a contracted service, using equipment compatible with Part 89. It sits alongside physical access controls and designated security personnel. See §74.56, Protective security.
For a security lead, the practical question is how a received signal reaches someone who can act on it. Identify who will review an event, how they will compare it with known site activity, and who takes responsibility after hours.
Does every utility facility qualify?
No. Proposed §74.54 sets general eligibility conditions, and Subpart C adds sector criteria, including §74.88 for energy and §74.96 for water and wastewater. Utility ownership alone does not establish eligibility. Review the facility and sector criteria.
Before selecting equipment for a regulatory objective, have your facility’s regulatory and security teams review the applicable criteria. A monitoring purchase alone does not establish eligibility or secure FAA approval.
How can G1 and Sentinel support a monitoring plan?
G1 is available now and passively receives cooperative Remote ID broadcasts over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Sentinel provides recorded detections, available broadcast details, replay, alerts, and exportable incident reports.
Optional 24/7 managed monitoring adds detection review and notification to the contacts in your agreed plan. We can help you plan sensor placement, detection review, and escalation for the monitoring component of the proposal. Your team retains responsibility for the response.
G1 cannot see aircraft that do not broadcast Remote ID. A detection does not establish intent, identify a payload, or prove that an operation is unauthorized. Review the Remote ID detection guide when setting expectations.
G2 is coming soon, with planned RF and acoustic sensing alongside Remote ID. Those future capabilities are separate from the G1 monitoring capabilities available today.
What should utility security teams prepare?
Use the assessment to work through an actual operating scenario: an unfamiliar drone is detected near a substation after hours, and the first contact is unavailable.
- Define the site priorities. Identify the areas your team needs to review, proposed mounting access, power, and network or cellular connectivity. Include the people who approve installation.
- Identify routine activity. Explain how staff confirm scheduled inspections or other known drone operations. A detected track needs that operational context.
- Name the alert owners. Document the primary contact, backup, and escalation path. Agree who reviews detections and how an incident is handed to the site supervisor.
- Agree the record workflow. Confirm hosting, retention, access, and export requirements. Decide how Sentinel reports will fit your existing incident process.
Explore utility and critical-infrastructure security, or use the site assessment checklist to prepare a conversation about your facility.