Saw A Drone Below Me

[wiguy]

I was Flying to CMX in the U.P. of MI 10 days ago or so. I stopped at Eagle River for the $4 gas, then continued on. I was near Land O Lakes, ballpark of 3000’ AGL. Just looking around I spotted a very traditional looking drone estimated 500’+ below me. I didn’t slow or turn to investigate, it was the closest I’ve seen one airborne.

It’s kinda a quieter area, the drone was a fair bit above the tree-tops.

 

[gmascelli]

Good spot!

Seems to be more of these drones popping up. I worry about them here at the beach where tourists tend to do what they want, and not follow rules.

Be safe out there!

 

[BUFDRVR]

I was Flying to CMX in the U.P. of MI 10 days ago or so. I stopped at Eagle River for the $4 gas, then continued on. I was near Land O Lakes, ballpark of 3000’ AGL. Just looking around I spotted a very traditional looking drone estimated 500’+ below me. I didn’t slow or turn to investigate, it was the closest I’ve seen one airborne.

It’s kinda a quieter area, the drone was a fair bit above the tree-tops.

I've seen them almost co-altitude with me at 2000' in the Tampa area! Closest I've been to one was about 1/8th nm. Eventually one is going to hit something and cause serious damage/loss of life. Can't figure out why they aren't required to be geofenced to 400' AGL.

Mike

 

[alim]

ADS-B FOR DRONES BROADCASTS CONDITIONALLY



https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/...-conditionally

 

[wiguy]

I didn’t consider this extremely close, just a bit surprising. It wasn’t real close to an airport, I’m not well versed on any rules, since I don’t fly one.

Is there a reporting system that does any good? Just thought maybe there’s something like the bird strike reports?

 

[BUFDRVR]

I didn’t consider this extremely close, just a bit surprising. It wasn’t real close to an airport, I’m not well versed on any rules, since I don’t fly one.

Is there a reporting system that does any good? Just thought maybe there’s something like the bird strike reports?

The only rules I'm aware of is a max altitude of 400' AGL and outside a certain distance from airports. I've never reported the ones I've seen exceeding 400' AGL because, like you, I'm not aware of how to do that...had I been talking to an ATC facility I would have informed them but I don't use flight following as often as I probably should.

 

[wiguy]

I do know this drone was well above 400’ AGL.