Drone Strikes JetBlue Flight Landing at Kennedy Airport, Pilot Says

Key Points:

• A JetBlue pilot reported a drone strike on his plane while approaching Kennedy International Airport, occurring less than three days after a similar drone encounter involving a United Airlines flight at Newark Liberty International Airport.
• The JetBlue flight was about 3,000 feet above ground and several miles from landing when it hit the drone; no injuries or damage were reported, and the plane landed safely.
• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) receives over 100 reports of drone sightings near airports monthly and emphasizes that flying drones near airports is dangerous and illegal.
• The FAA is investigating both the JetBlue and United Airlines drone incidents; the United flight encountered a drone during its descent into Newark Liberty but also landed safely without incident.
• The FAA advises drone operators to avoid flying near airports and manned aircraft, highlighting that drones are generally permitted to fly only up to 400 feet outside restricted airspaces.