Drone Photos Over Phoenix, Arizona: The Risks and Regulations

As the popularity of drones continues to soar, so do concerns about the safety risks they pose to air traffic. In recent months, airports in Arizona have been dealing with an alarming increase in drone sightings, including one incident that nearly resulted in a mid-air collision.

According to FAA data, there were 61 incidents of drones coming close to aircraft over a nine-month period between October 2018 and June 2019. This marks a significant jump from the previous year, when pilots flying in Arizona reported just 25 incidents of drones near their aircraft.

One pilot reported a particularly harrowing encounter while approaching the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in November. The pilot had to make a 'hard left' to avoid colliding with a drone, highlighting the potential dangers posed by these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Researchers at the University of Dayton conducted one of the first-ever tests of what would happen if a drone impacted an airplane. Their findings were alarming: unlike bird strikes, which typically cause superficial damage, drones can penetrate deeper into aircraft upon impact.

To address this growing concern, the FAA has introduced a certificate program aimed at educating drone pilots on safe operation procedures. Since its introduction, more than 143,000 people have earned their drone pilot certificates, and there are now over 1.4 million drones registered with the Federal Aviation Administration.

As Arizona governor and firefighting officials warn the public about the dangers of drones interfering with wildfire fighting efforts, airports in the state are taking steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring. In March, a single-engine Cessna was forced to take evasive action to avoid colliding with a white drone sporting a blue stripe at an altitude of 2,400 feet.

While drone enthusiasts may see these devices as a fun and innovative way to capture stunning aerial photos over Phoenix, Arizona, the risks they pose to air traffic cannot be ignored. As authorities continue to monitor this situation closely, it's clear that stricter regulations and education are necessary to ensure the safe operation of drones in our skies.

Drone photos over phoenix arizona