I was sipping my coffee and reading about the latest close call in the skies when I came across this story about a United Airlines passenger jet nearly colliding with a drone over New Jersey. Folks, it’s a good thing I wasn’t on that flight, or I might have needed an extra shot of espresso to calm my nerves. The pilot reported that the drone was circular, roughly three feet wide, and about 100 feet below the plane as it was coming in to land. I can only imagine the excitement in the cockpit when the pilot exclaimed, “We almost hit a drone!”
The Boeing 737 was carrying 106 passengers and 5 crew members from Key West, Florida, and thankfully, it landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport at around 5:30 p.m. The passengers exited the plane at the gate as normal, probably unaware of the close call they just experienced. United Airlines told CNN in a statement that the plane landed safely, which is a relief, but I’m sure the passengers would have appreciated a complimentary coffee or two after that ordeal.
Another pilot flying into Newark on a United Express flight also reported seeing a drone at roughly 2,000 feet, which makes me wonder if there’s a drone party going on in the skies above New Jersey. According to air traffic control audio, this incident occurred around the same time as the first one, which raises concerns about drone safety and regulation. I mean, who needs that kind of excitement when you’re trying to land a plane?
The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) reports that there are around 100 drone sightings a month near US airports, which is a staggering number. The agency prohibits the use of drones in controlled airspaces or near manned aircraft without official permission, but it seems like some drone enthusiasts aren’t getting the message. I’m no expert, but it seems like a good idea to keep drones away from planes, don’t you think?
CNN has reached out to the FAA, GoJet, and Newark airport for more information, and I’m sure we’ll hear more about this incident in the coming days. In the meantime, I’ll just stick to my coffee and try not to worry about drones in the skies.
In conclusion, it’s a good thing that the passengers on that United Airlines flight are safe, and let’s hope that drone enthusiasts will take heed and follow the rules. After all, we don’t want any more close calls like this one. As I always say, you can’t make this stuff up, and I’m just glad that everyone involved got to walk away from this incident with a good story to tell – and maybe a few more gray hairs. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to refill my coffee cup and try to forget about drones in the skies – at least until the next close call, that is. 😊
Armchair patriot. Believes in the free market, cold beer, and that there’s always a guy named George behind every CNN segment.
Former remote-throwing champion turned #1 couch commentator on liberal panic in the media. Born in Texas (or so his mug says), he earned a degree in Fake Newsology & Beer Philosophy from YouTube University.
