Haye KestelooYesterday we reported on the near-miss between President Trump’s airplane and a small drone. Today, we can confirm that the Pentagon has started an investigation into the alleged drone sighting near Air Force One.
Pentagon investigates alleged drone sighting near Air Force One
While admittedly not being a drone expert, Agence France-Presse’s reporter Sebastian Smith, who was on board President Trump’s Air Force One as it approached Andrews Air Force base on Sunday, reported seeing a ‘small object’ that ‘resembled a drone.’
Jennifer Jacobs, a reporter from Bloomberg tweeted that several people on board the aircraft saw ‘what appeared to be a drone just below the plane.’
Today in a statement the Pentagon confirmed that the drone incident is under investigation.
“The 89th Airlift Wing is aware of the report. The matter is under review,” said a statement from the Air Force unit which oversees Air Force One operations at Joint Base Andrews, Md, reported the WSJ. “The 89th Airlift Wing’s C-32A aircraft landed safely without incident.”
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which receives more than one hundred reports of drones flying near planes per month, s’mall drones used by enthusiasts and others have become a bigger problem in the nation’s skies.’
“The agency wants to send out a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters and airports is dangerous and illegal,” the FAA says on its website. “Unauthorized operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time.”
@realDonaldTrump just landed at Andrews on AF1. Shortly before, while descending,we flew right over a small object, remarkably close to the president’s plane. Resembled a drone though I’m no expert. pic.twitter.com/roDFgpp4XH
— Sebastian Smith (@SebastianAFP) August 16, 2020
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PHOTO: SARAH SILBIGER/REUTERS
we as responsible pilots are getting the same label as the irresponsible??????