On Sunday, a commercial airline pilot reported an incident involving a small remote control aircraft or “drone” that came within 100 feet of an aircraft over the Fountain Hills area as it was on approach to Sky Harbor International Airport. If a drone flies too close to an airplane, there is a chance it can be sucked into an engine, presenting a potential major public safety threat. Fortunately, the airliner landed without incident.
Phoenix City Councilmembers Sal DiCiccio and Michael Nowakowski, Chairman of the Public Safety and Veterans Subcommittee, have been preparing an Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle/System (Drone) Ordinance for the city to protect citizens’ safety and privacy.
“This incident reflects the growing danger and other potential illicit uses for which people can use personal drones,” the councilmembers said. “It is a public safety concern that our police department currently has little to no authority to control. We are launching an effort and proposing an ordinance this September that will give law enforcement strength when encountering threats such as this.”
The draft Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle/System (Drones) Ordinance is available for review online and is pending additional language regarding safe drone flight operations that would address these types of issues.