Drone sightings near airports: Will it affect holiday travel? Experts weigh in directly.
As Americans brace for holiday travel, flyers might be thinking about whether the uptick in drone sightings will affect take-off and landing.
Drone sightings across the northeast skies have been reported with some spotted near or over airport spaces.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects nearly 40 million people to fly over the holidays, according to the agency’s website.
Recently, SWF shut down the airport runway for more than an hour, acting swiftly to prevent any potential safety issues. Remarkably, it managed to avoid any impacts on aircraft, a testament to the efficiency of airport protocols.
The spokesperson highlighted a pressing concern: “Airports can do little else but halt traffic even with just one reported sighting. Their discretion comes from the necessity of safety. The issue is that drone operators remain largely untraceable, holding the power to disrupt air travel on a massive scale.”
In the last few weeks, the FBI has logged more than 5,000 drone sightings, triggering heightened awareness among law enforcement and aviation officials. Just this past Saturday, two individuals faced arrests following what was deemed a hazardous drone operation near Logan Airport’s airspace, as noted in a Boston Police Department release.
The spokesperson emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Our primary concern regarding UAS [unmanned aircraft system] lies in the risk of a drone striking an active aircraft, which can be catastrophic. Furthermore, whenever UAS are detected in restricted airspace, they can severely impact operations, causing delays and even closures of airports.”
Law enforcement agencies have initiated measures that utilize sophisticated detection equipment to monitor restricted airspace around Logan, relying on pilots to report any unforeseen sightings.
Levy, an aviation expert, expressed a poignant observation: “An unauthorized drone flight nearing controlled airspace results in an immediate ‘ground stop’ of all departures, effectively halting any landings until the area is confirmed clear of the drone.”
Interestingly, Levy admitted, “Pilots typically do not spot drones. The flight crews focus on instruments and the runway environment. Yet now, with the increasing number of reported sightings, caution reigns supreme.”
The FAA spokesperson articulated the established rules: “While distances may vary based on airport size, drones generally cannot operate within 5 miles of airports without FAA authorization. Alarmingly, we receive an average of over 100 drone sighting reports near airports every month.” There’s a compelling message to convey: operating drones near airplanes, helicopters, and airports poses not only legal repercussions but also significant safety risks.
As citizens prepare for the hustle and bustle of holiday travel, it’s prudent to reflect on the broader implications of these drone sightings. Each incident stirs a pot of unease, conjuring images of what could happen if a recreational drone collided with a passenger plane. It’s not merely about efficiency in the air; it’s about safety and the peace of mind travelers deserve as they navigate their journeys.
This precarious dance between technological advancement and safety regulations serves as a reminder of responsibility—both for drone operators and the broader public engaged in holiday travel. Perhaps, amidst the joy of festive journeys, individuals might take a moment to consider the tranquility of the skies overhead, ensuring each flight lands safely.
