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Chopper Pilot: I Nearly Hit 'Gigantic' Remote- Controlled Plane
Newser • • business
Key Points:
- A helicopter pilot near JFK Airport narrowly avoided a collision with a large remote-controlled plane flying at about 500 feet near Floyd Bennett Field, as revealed in air traffic control audio.
- Earlier the same day, a JetBlue flight reported hitting a drone at around 3,000 feet and 10 miles from JFK, but the plane landed safely with no damage; the FAA is investigating this incident.
- The RC plane was described as red-and-white and flying near a key navigation beacon, with reports of other RC planes ready to launch from a designated flying area.
- Aviation experts emphasize the dangers posed by drones and RC aircraft near airports, noting that such violations can cause serious risks and carry penalties of up to $100,000 under federal law.
- The FAA has warned it will hold operators fully accountable for unsafe drone operations that interfere with aircraft safety.
