Pilots are reporting a dramatic increase in drone sightings to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the number on pace to quadruple the previous year’s total, raising concerns about potential catastrophic collisions with passenger aircraft. By August 9, there were already 650 sightings, compared to 238 in all of 2014, including four separate reports near Newark Liberty International Airport in one day. Aviation experts like retired US Airways pilot Capt. Chesley Sullenberger and lawyer Steve Marks warn that hard-shelled drones pose a significant threat, potentially exceeding the damage caused by bird strikes. Advocacy groups and legislators, including the Global Gateway Alliance and Senator Dianne Feinstein, are urging the FAA to better enforce existing rules and mandate technology that prevents drones from entering restricted airspace near airports and wildfires.
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Originally published by Bart Jansen | Aug 8, 2013 | USA Today
