Drone Seen Near Newark Liberty International Airport

 

Crews on four commercial flights spotted a drone while preparing to land at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

NJ.com reported  none of the pilots were required to make evasive maneuvers as a result of Sunday's drone sighting. The planes were between 2,000 and 3,000 feet in the air and eight to 13 miles away from the airport.

The FAA said it has received a significant increase in reports of drones flying nearby planes as they have become a more popular item.

The FAA said flying a drone "anywhere near" an airplane can bring criminal charges and fines up to $25,000.

However, aviation safely consultant John Goglia said the FAA should be conducting tests like they do with bird strikes to determine whether drones threaten an aircraft's safety.

Speaking to The Associated Press, Goglia said assuming after testing that it is determined drones won't harm planes then pilots should "take the hit and keep on going."