AV News: FAA Updates Drone Sightings Report

The drone community has proven to be very responsible when it comes to safe flying according to the FAA's Statistics. Although sightings by airplane pilots have increased in the last year, there has still never been a mid air collision between a Drone and a jetliner. Safety consideration is a staple of the drone community, hopefully there will be no incidents in the future and the streak will continue for a long time to come.
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The FAA just released an updated list of “possible” drone sightings from February through September of 2016. The results may be surprising for some, but for those of us in the industry they are seen as a confirmation for what we’ve been saying for quite some time.

During the 8 month period, 1,274 possible drone sightings were reported. 874 were reported during that same period in 20-15, an almost 46% increase. Industry experts say this growth is at a much slower rate than originally anticipated.

The report also says that although several pilots claimed drones hit their aircraft, the FAA has not verified any collisions between drones and civil aircraft to date. It goes on to say that upon further investigation, all of these claims of drone collisions were instead attributed to wires, posts, birds, or other structural failures.

Kara Calver, Director of the Drone Manufacturers Alliance said “This report is another example of how claims of potential drone sightings need to be considered carefully and in a proper context. We are committed to ensuring drones are used safely and responsibly, even as age-old hazards such as birds and wires remain far more prevalent in America’s skies.”

The FAA report of UAV sighting is based on “potential encounters” as seen by pilots, air traffic control personnel, law enforcement officials, and members of the public.

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Report: https://www.faa.gov/news/updates/?newsId=87565