Summary
A drone sighting temporarily shut down runways at Stewart International Airport in New York on Friday, part of a string of drone activity since mid-November.
Gov. Kathy Hochul called for federal action, urging Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Act to enhance drone oversight and empower local law enforcement.
Similar sightings in New Jersey prompted investigations by federal agencies, though many reports are suspected misidentified aircraft.
Officials stress the activity isn’t linked to foreign actors but remains irresponsible. Temporary flight restrictions were imposed near sensitive sites, including military bases.
I live just outside a no-fly zone around an airport. Maybe a mile away, slightly under.
I never take my drone above the trees unless I’m away from home because I’m paranoid about anything going wrong and my drone just taking off in one direction until it dies or hits something.
I’d rather be extra cautious and be lightly mocked than cause the airport to shut down and have the alphabet boys knocking on/down my door.
Especially since I live close enough to a military base that my drone could theoretically reach it in a flyaway, if winds are helping it along.
Note: I have been lucky enough that in four years, I have never lost contact with my drone, but the paranoia remains.