Drones Pose Growing Threat to Commercial Airliners

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Full Story

Drones flying dangerously close to commercial jets, including a near-miss 300 feet from a plane at San Francisco International Airport, are raising aviation safety concerns. Nearly two-thirds of near-miss incidents at major U.S. airports last year involved drones. The issue has grown since drone use surged in the 2010s, threatening aircraft worth millions.

The San Francisco incident involved a drone passing a landing jet’s windshield at high speed. At 300 feet, pilots had little time to react, highlighting the risk.

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The Context

Drones accounted for most near-miss reports at busy U.S. airports in 2024, per aviation data. These incidents often occur during critical takeoff or landing phases.

Drone popularity has soared since 2014, driven by hobbyists, content creators, and commercial users. Affordable models, like those with cameras, are widely available.

Commercial pilots train for hazards like birds but not drones, which are harder to detect. A collision could damage engines or force emergency landings, endangering passengers.

Aviation experts urge stricter rules, such as geofencing technology to block drones near airports. Current regulations, set by the FAA since 2016, restrict airspace but face enforcement challenges.

Some support tight controls, arguing that drones threaten lives and costly aircraft. They fear a catastrophic crash without immediate action.

Others argue that most drone users are unaware of rules, suggesting education over harsh penalties. They worry excessive restrictions could stifle innovation.