Drone pilot shares concerns about ongoing drone sightings around New Jersey
Drone pilot Michael Downey says that the drones seem to be following all FAA regulations.
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Uncertainty about drone sightings around New Jersey is causing concern for actual drone pilots who fly for work or recreation.
News 12 spoke to an expert who says the mystery drones are typically larger and can be mistaken for aircraft.
Michael Downey, drone pilot and instructor for Unique Photo in Fairfield says drones used for things like real estate, construction or photography are usually much smaller and no larger than 30 inches.
"I feel like maybe someone does know what they're up to and it's not anything bad,” says Downey.
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Downey says he spotted some drones in the sky on his own but didn't find them too mysterious because they seemed to follow FAA regulations by staying below 400 feet and using lights.
"That might be why I'm not as concerned. Because if I were doing something nefarious, I would not be broadcasting that I'm out here doing this, certainly with lights,” Downey says.
Downey recommends downloading an app like Flightradar24. You can simply aim your phone’s camera at the sky to identify any registered aircraft. This way residents can tell whether it's just a plane or something suspicious.
Unique Photo will have an outdoor drone course in Fairfield this weekend during its camera show. It also offers classes for beginners year-round.
