What’s up with drones? FAA weighs in
“Mystery” drone sightings up and down the East Coast now include Manchester. What is up with that?
MANCHESTER, NH – Amanda Taggart was leaving MASA Japanese Steakhouse Friday night when she saw something out of the ordinary.
“We were on our way out and there was a car parked in the middle of the parking lot, and a woman bending over to recover a large red drone,” said Taggart. “I asked her if that was her’s and she said yes, and was in a hurry and took off,” making a right turn onto South Willow Street.
After that, Taggart says she observed “multiple drones” flying around the vicinity of the airport. Although she snapped a few quick photos, she was left with more questions than answers.
Like who was this woman, why was she flying a drone at 8:30 at night in that particular area, and what’s up with all the drone sightings?
She’s not the only one asking questions.
Photos/Amanda Taggart
A quick search of the Internet brings up reports about “mystery” drones being spotted particularly along the East Coast – specifically focused on New Jersey – with little explanation. So far, official statements issued by the FBI and Homeland Security have said they don’t believe there is any public safety threat. The U.S. Secret Service confirmed it “does not currently have any unmanned aerial systems operating in or around New Jersey or New York.”
Reports of Jersey drone sightings since Nov. 18 are in the thousands.
A spin around the globe on the National UFO Reporting Center site shows the map of the United States is glowing right now with reports.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, more people are using drones which means more people are noticing them in the sky and that has lead to an increase in the number of people contacting the FAA with questions.
If you witness a drone operation that appears dangerous or is being used to commit a crime please report it immediately to your local law enforcement first responders. They can protect public safety and can help discourage dangerous or illegal activities.If you witness a drone not following FAA rules, you may reach out to your local FAA flight standards district office. The FAA's investigators may be able to investigate your report and follow up with the drone operator. Unauthorized drone operators may be subject to penalties and criminal charges.
On Dec. 13 the FAA released the following Q&A around drone sightings, use and safety.
Who can fly a drone?
It is legal to fly a drone in most locations but there are rules. Generally speaking, people must fly their drone as a recreational flyer or under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule, and follow all the applicable provisions.
If you’re just flying for fun as a recreational flyer, you’ll need to take a basic safety knowledge test. You also have to follow some simple rules including flying below 400 feet, keeping the drone in sight, avoiding all other aircraft, and not causing a hazard to any people or property.
If you’re flying for any other purpose, like videography or news gathering, you need to have a drone pilot certificate and follow the provisions or our Small UAS Rule.
Where can you fly a drone?
You can fly drones in most locations below 400 feet. Flying near airports usually requires authorization from the FAA.
Where can’t you fly a drone?
You can’t fly within the controlled airspace around an airport without FAA authorization; over designated national security sensitive facilities; and certain military bases, infrastructure and national landmarks; or in airspace covered by Temporary Flight Restrictions, which the FAA typically implements at the request of law enforcement for safety or security reasons. More information on restrictions is available here.
When can you fly a drone?
You can fly during the day if you’re flying for fun or flying under the FAA’s Small UAS Rule. If you want to fly at night, you must have a drone pilot certificate and your drone must be equipped with required lights.
Where can you land a drone?
You can land a drone anywhere provided the landing area is safe and is not prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
Can you fly multiple drones at the same time?
A drone pilot needs a waiver to fly more than one drone at the same time.
Do drones need to be registered with the FAA?
Yes. Any recreational drone weighing more than about a half-pound and all drones flown under Part 107 must be registered with the FAA. The drone’s registration number must be displayed on the exterior surface of the drone.
Does the FAA look into reports of drone sightings?
The FAA investigates all reports of unsafe operations. However, you don’t need specific authorization from the FAA to fly drones in most locations.
What happens if a drone is over your house?
Pilots must operate drones so they don’t pose a hazard to people or property. If you think someone’s flying unsafely and it poses an immediate threat, you should contact local law enforcement. The FAA does not regulate privacy, but local privacy laws may apply to drone operations.
