Saw A Drone Below Me

wiguy

wiguy

New member
Burlington, WI
Aircraft Year
1976
Aircraft Type
112/A
Reg Number
N1456J - IO-390
Serial Number
456
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.
 
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!
 
wiguy said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 
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?
 
wiguy said:
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?
Click to expand...

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