Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Skylark Labs has begun deploying fixed foreign-object debris (FOD) detection technology at major commercial airports in India. According to the Menlo Park, California-based start-up, the stationary system uses optical sensors to autonomously monitor runways, eliminating the need for manual inspections and mobile vehicle patrols. Using adaptive AI algorithms, it identifies and classifies debris in real time and transmits precise coordinates to ground staff and air traffic control, who then dispatch personnel to remove it.
Skylark Labs’ fixed FOD detection technology is powered by the company’s Runway Monitoring Intelligence Layer (RMIL), a machine-learning platform that also underpins the company’s mobile Tracer AI Vehicles. Through the RMIL, intelligence gathered at one airport—such as debris signatures, false-positive patterns, and surface degradation indicators—is shared with every other device in the network.
Founded in 2018, Skylark Labs initially developed AI surveillance and video analytics systems for drones and security cameras before expanding into defense markets with FOD detection work for the Indian Navy. Last week, the company said it successfully demonstrated the technology aboard an Indian Navy aircraft carrier; the commercial airport deployment is its first application in civil aviation.
“Because the same intelligence layer runs across our entire network—carriers, airfields, and mobile vehicles—every deployment makes the whole system smarter,” said company founder and CEO Amarjot Singh.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Skylark Labs Installs Fixed FOD Detectors at Airports

Fixed system detects foreign object debris without vehicle patrols

Silicon Valley start-up Skylark Labs is using artificial intelligence to keep airport runways free of foreign object debris (FOD).

Skylark Brings AI FOD Detection to Airports

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Agency issued a general notice to highlight the change

FAA Mandates Radar for Airplane, Helicopter Separation

Private funding sped up the process to add new IFR procedures

Monmouth Airport Deploys LPV Instrument Approaches

Charles Alcock

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Movements at airports including Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, and Biggin Hill are being examined

Police Probe Epstein Private Jet Flights at UK Airports 

Curt Epstein

Projects are slated to wrap up later this year

Upgrades on Tap for North Carolina Genav Airport

Two-thirds of those surveyed want to keep KSMO,  and a majority do not want it turned it into a park

Santa Monica Voters Show Support To Keep Airport Open

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

Requirements apply to some but not all business aircraft flights

Doubts Raised over EU Border Control Rule Changes

Charlotte Bailey

European permissions augment FAA approvals received in 2023 and 2024 

Gulfstream G500, G600 Get EASA Steep-approach Nods

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

More In Airports

FAA Mandates Radar for Airplane, Helicopter Separation

Agency issued a general notice to highlight the change

Monmouth Airport Deploys LPV Instrument Approaches

Private funding sped up the process to add new IFR procedures

Police Probe Epstein Private Jet Flights at UK Airports

Movements at airports including Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, and Biggin Hill are being examined

Upgrades on Tap for North Carolina Genav Airport

Projects are slated to wrap up later this year

Santa Monica Voters Show Support To Keep Airport Open

Two-thirds of those surveyed want to keep KSMO, and a majority do not want it turned it into a park

Doubts Raised over EU Border Control Rule Changes

Requirements apply to some but not all business aircraft flights

Gulfstream G500, G600 Get EASA Steep-approach Nods

European permissions augment FAA approvals received in 2023 and 2024

Skyports and Linden Plan Heliport At Miami's Watson Island

Upcoming vertiport to include provision for future eVTOL aircraft

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