FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) RELEASES UPDATED DRONE SIGHTING REPORTS
On February 23, 2017, the FAA released an updated list reflecting reports of unmanned aircraft Systems (UAS) – commonly referred to as “drones" - from pilots, citizens and law enforcement. The list contains data covering February through September 2016.
Summary. There was an increase in the number of reports made to FAA air traffic facilities concerning possible drone sightings during 2016. Between February and September 2016, there were 1,274 such reports, compared with 874 for the same period in 2015.
Many of the reports are from pilots alleging drone strikes on their aircraft. However, the FAA has not verified any collision between a civil aircraft and a civil drone. Investigation pertaining to these claims have concluded that the reported collisions were with any of the following: birds, impact with other items such as wires and posts, or structural failure not related to colliding with an unmanned aircraft.
In an effort to safely integrate unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system, the agency continues to reinforce that operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal. Failure to adhere to these warnings by the FAA could result in unauthorized operators being subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time.
The FAA makes a continued effort to inform operators of unmanned aircrafts of places where they can legally fly their drones. For current information on where unmanned aircraft can be flown safely, the FAA offers the B4UFLY app which is available for iOS and Android smartphones. The app is free and can be downloaded from iTunes and Google Play.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Shelley Ewalt.
* * * * *
McBreen & Kopko’s Aviation Group represents air carriers, fixed base operators (FBOs), airport managers, aviation service providers, and business aircraft owners and operators on a wide range of aviation issues including regulatory matters, commercial transactions, aircraft finance matters, and bankruptcy and creditors’ rights.