North Texas pilots warn unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones, could cause catastrophes if they come too close to other aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration recently put together a database of UAS sightings near airports, including two sightings in North Texas.
In July, a pilot spotted a drone near a runway at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport about 3,000 feet in the air. In another incident, air traffic controllers reported a drone had crashed near Dallas Love Field Airport.
There have not been any mid-air collisions, but there is concern of how bad one could be.
The devices typically weigh about 10-12 pounds, but the impact is much larger.
“It can bring these aircraft down,” said Jim Swartz, president of CareFlite, referring to his fleet of helicopters. “It goes into the engine, it could cause an explosion.”
“If it came through the windshield the pilot could lose control of the airplane,” said retired pilot Denny Kelly. “These drones, they're flown from people on the ground who don't have total view of what the airplane is doing or where it's going.”
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The FAA is working on drafting rules and regulations for UAS usage. If caught with one flying near controlled airspace in vicinity of another aircraft, the operator could face a hefty fine of about $10,000.
