Drones!??!!!?!!!
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Deep Dive
What has caused the increase in drone sightings over New Jersey and the East Coast?
The increase in drone sightings is due to the proliferation of commercial and hobbyist drones, advancements in battery technology, and the growing use of drones for delivery services like Amazon. Additionally, the sky has become more crowded with satellites, particularly Starlink satellites, which have changed the appearance of the night sky.
Why are people mistaking satellites and airplanes for drones?
People are mistaking satellites and airplanes for drones because they are not accustomed to looking at the sky, which has changed significantly in the past decade. The increase in satellites, particularly Starlink's 6,764 satellites, and the rebound in air travel post-pandemic have altered the sky's appearance, leading to confusion.
What measures has the FAA taken to regulate drone activity over New Jersey?
The FAA issued a temporary flight restriction banning drones from flying over critical New Jersey infrastructure until mid-January. Additionally, drone software now includes built-in regulations that prevent users from flying drones in restricted areas or beyond certain altitudes.
What are the potential risks of drones in civilian airspace?
The primary risk of drones in civilian airspace is the potential for collisions with manned aircraft, similar to bird strikes. The FAA has implemented regulations to mitigate these risks, including altitude restrictions and no-fly zones, but some operators may still find ways to bypass these rules.
How has the war in Ukraine influenced the perception of drones?
The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the significant role drones play in modern warfare, including their use for surveillance and delivering improvised explosives. This has heightened awareness and concern about drones, both in military and civilian contexts, and has changed how people view their potential uses and threats.
What did government agencies conclude about the drone sightings in New Jersey?
Government agencies, including the FAA, Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and Department of Defense, concluded that the sightings were a mix of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist drones, law enforcement drones, manned aircraft, and stars mistaken for drones. They stated that these sightings do not pose a national security or public safety risk.
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