The FAA is investigating a video that showed up online of a drone that came very close to a Frontier Airlines Airbus in Las Vegas. If you’re familiar with drone laws and rules, you’ll know that you’re not allowed to fly near or around airports. Drones also have a height restriction and should not be flying above 400 feet. The issue is clear as to why these rules are in place and the video below clearly shows the potential danger of flying too high and near an airport.
This drone was flying very close to Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport and the Frontier plane it narrowly hit was making its way to land. As you can see in the video, the drone was just above the plane and got a nice close-up of the top of the plane. The issue at hand is, had that drone been down lower, it could have hit the plane or worse, gotten sucked into its engines. Had the drone been sucked into the engine, well, that could have been catastrophic.
At least one influential drone organization has already made a statement on the incident. Drone U said in a statement:
“Drone U Leadership and the entire membership community want to join with other industry leaders to fully CONDEMN this reckless and criminal act. Drone U and its members work tirelessly in making our skies safe for all users of the National Airspace System. This pilot’s actions not only endangered the flying public but has the potential to discredit an entire sUAS industry. It is the opinion of Drone U and its members that the pilot receives swift and just punishment for this example of irresponsible and reckless flight. There is no excuse for this type of criminal behavior.”
The FAA is investigating and we should hopefully know more in the coming days and weeks. In the meantime, this is a stark reminder how important it is to follow drone safety rules.
What do you think of this near miss? Let us know in the comments below, or on Google+, Twitter, or Facebook.
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