Feinstein, Schumer: Consumer Drone Use Threatens Public Safety

Statement

Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), sponsors of the Consumer Drone Safety Act, today released an analysis of drone incidents nationwide that occurred between April 1, 2014, and August 20, 2015. The data were collected and released by the FAA in August.

Database of national drone incidents

The Consumer Drone Safety Act, introduced in June, would require manufacturers to install safety features and anti-tampering protections in consumer drones as well as give the FAA authority to set clear rules on when, where and under what conditions they can be used. The bill would also make it easier for law enforcement to take action against reckless users.

Analysis of incidents reported nationwide:

Nearly 900 incidents were reported in 46 states and Washington.
More than 40 percent of incidents occurred in just three states: California, New York and Florida.
75 percent of incidents involved a drone that climbed to a dangerously high altitude (over 400 feet).
Nearly half of the incidents involved a drone in close proximity to an airport (within five miles).
Nearly one-third of incidents involved a drone in close proximity to an aircraft (within approximately 500 feet).
Almost 15 percent of incidents occurred over a populated area or near critical infrastructure.
"It's clear that reckless consumer drone use is increasing. With the number of consumer drones projected to top 1 million this year, the problem will only grow," said Senator Feinstein. "The data released by the FAA indicate that 75 percent of incidents involved a drone that climbed to a dangerously high altitude. The Consumer Drone Safety Act would address that problem by requiring safety information be distributed to consumers and technological safeguards be installed in the devices. I am hopeful that when Congress reauthorizes the FAA in March, the basic safeguards from our bill will be included to help prevent a tragic accident."

"Near-misses between drones and passenger airliners, and other dangerous situations caused by drones, are spiking and we must act now before a real tragedy occurs. The Consumer Drone Safety Act would require drone manufacturers to install safety features that help prevent dangerous situations and near-misses from occurring," said Senator Schumer. "In addition, our bill would advance technologies focused on detecting, identifying and cracking down on dangerous drone use. Drone technology has the potential to be truly positive and transformative, and many users operate them safely, but when it comes to protecting our skies and the traveling public, we can leave no stone unturned."

"The huge upsurge in the numbers of drones and of reckless actions by drone users has greatly increased the risk to everyone who flies. As a pilot, safety expert and accident investigator, I have seen firsthand the damage that a collision with objects this size can do to an airplane, and this increased risk of collision is one of the top concerns of professional pilots," said Captain Sully Sullenberger. "The explosion in reports of drones being flown dangerously close to airports and airplanes, and at alarmingly high altitudes means we must act now to protect the public. These essential safety measures are desperately needed to address this critical safety issue and must be included in the FAA reauthorization bill."

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