Saturday, May 10, 2014

Drone, jetliner almost collide

A high-end model aircraft built to look like a jet fighter almost hit a US Airways plane about five miles from Tallahassee Regional Airport back in March, according to reports. The pilot of a Bombardier CRJ2 regional jet told the FAA it was flying at 2,300 feet when it passed what appeared to be a remote-controlled aircraft. American Airlines Group, which owns US Airways, is investigating. There have been at least six other incidents since September 2011 in which pilots have reported close calls with unmanned aircraft. The FAA plans to impose rules by the end of the year governing civilian drones of less than 55 pounds. (Source: Bloomberg, Reuters via Airwise, 05/09/14, AP via ABC News, 05/10/14)