Media headlines increasingly report manned and unmanned aircraft involved in near misses. But how are these reports obtained? Near-miss drone encounters are subjective, with no clear definition of a Near-Miss. These reports rely solely on the pilot to estimate the distance and altitude of the unmanned craft involved.

A Near-Midair Collisions (NMAC) is defined as an encounter within 500 feet.

In 36 months, 24 incidents determined as near-midair collisions were documented in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex. The reported lateral distance between the aircraft was around 215 feet.

NMAC numbers for manned and unmanned aircraft are increasing at a rapid rate. The FAA reports 650 NMAC and sightings so far in 2023.

The FAA has issued restrictions around airports and their approach and departure corridors. Still, these restrictions are frequently violated by drone operators unaware of their proximity to an airport and its corridors or willfully breaking the rules.

Drones are routinely used in military service, real estate, aerial surveillance, filmmaking, and media reporting and will soon be used full-time with Amazon Delivery.

Drones are incredible pieces of technology and, when used correctly, are very beneficial. But, like any tool, problems will arise if misused.