What Happened to the Mysterious Drone Sightings Over New Jersey?
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Have you noticed that no one is talking about the strange drone sightings over New Jersey anymore? The topic has completely fallen out of the news cycleโno more coverage on major media outlets, television networks, or even social media. Even Antonio Brown posted on X asking, โWhat happened to the drones?โ Well, they just disappeared.
Thatโs because there was never any real threat to begin with. This story was blown out of proportion from the start, gaining more attention than it deserved despite the lack of credible sources or evidence. Week after week, misinformation spread through social media and even major news outlets, fueled by members of our community and elected officials. Now, the topic has simply lost its appeal.
If you check Google Trends, youโll see that searches for โNew Jersey dronesโ peaked on December 14 but declined just as quickly. Similar search terms followed the same patternโinitial high interest, followed by complete evaporation once people caught on.
Lessons Learned
I uploaded my first video about the sightings on December 11, just before the peak in online interest. Since then, Iโve posted response videos and follow-ups as more information emerged. Here are the three key realizations Iโve made:
1. People will believe anything if it fits a narrative.
Whether the narrative is positive or negative, as long as it garners views, people will keep pushing it. In this case, videos showing random lights in the sky attracted thousands of views, with claims of UFO sightings over New Jersey. In reality, these were likely just military or commercial aircraftโnothing extraordinary.
2. No credible evidence was ever found.
No one discovered any spaceships or drones allegedly from another country. The only โevidenceโ was low-quality cell phone videos shared online.
3. No lasting damage to the drone industry.
Fortunately, this hysteria didnโt seem to cause long-term harm to the drone industry, which is a relief for those of us who work in it.
Debunking the Hysteria
Throughout my videos, I highlighted dozens of examples where people misidentified airplanes or helicopters as drones. In many cases, the errors were blatantly obvious.
Take Congressman Van Drewโs early comments, for instance. He claimed the drones were Iranian and launched from a โmothershipโ in the Atlantic Ocean, even as footage next to him showed commercial airliners flying between airports. Videos shared on platforms like X were also debunked by community notes, where experts provided logical explanations for the lights in the sky. Most sightings turned out to be everyday commercial or military aircraft.
I even appeared on NewsNation to share my perspective live. I reiterated that this entire story was fueled by mass hysteria. Now, as other sensational topics have emerged, the mysterious drone sightings have stopped. Weird, right?
The Current State of the Drone Industry
Now that the story has faded, the drone industry seems unaffected in the long term. While the hysteria created some short-term challenges, things are returning to normal for drone pilots.
For example, Iโve had the police called on me multiple times while working in New Jersey. Homeowners see drones in the air and think theyโve โcaught the guyโ responsible for the statewide sightings. Luckily, once I show them my Part 107 certificate and explain my work, the situation is quickly resolved.
Another challenge has been the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) placed around New Jersey and New York. These restrictions, positioned near power distribution centers and other critical infrastructure, were meant to curb the hysteria. While theyโve caused issues for some drone pilots, they are set to expire soon. For instance, some TFRs will lift within one or two weeks, allowing airspace to reopen.
Looking Ahead
Now that the drone sighting hysteria has subsided, it seems like we can all move forward. The FAAโs involvement during the height of the story seemed more coincidental than impactful, but it did help calm some of the panic.
For most drone pilots, this episode has been a minor speed bump. Hopefully, we can get back to our work without unnecessary interference. If youโre a drone pilot and have experienced similar challenges during this time, feel free to share your stories.
Thanks for reading, and hopefully, this will be the last time I need to discuss this topic. As always, Iโll catch you in the next one!
Peace.
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Billy Kyle
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What utter rubbish this guy writes.
In his own special state of reality.
How so? Please explain.
Amazon has lots of drones, and their employees went on strike @ the same time. If I were going on strike that would be a hilarious prankโฆfly all the drones to the other side of the country.
The reason theyโve โstoppedโ is because they were our (US Govโt) drones from the start. Years ago the DOD contracted a MD based company called โRobotics Researchโ to develop surveillance drones with the aim of โenhancing public safetyโ. The FAA had issued restrictions on the airspace set to run from Nov โ Christmas(ish). These restrictions were in the area surrounding Picatinny Arsenal and greater Bedminster Co. (where most of the drone activity was observed). Those of us old enough to remember how the Patriot Act was sold in the wake of 9/11 realize weโre just watching the same movie, with a new โcastโ so to speakโฆ
Fart fart fart ๐จ
The drones was just a ploy to have our eyes on the drones, while the government was doing something that they didnโt want us to see
I agree. Utter rubbish. Sounds like state sponsored propaganda.
I have been seeing a drone outside my house for several nights. FYI itโs January 8,2025.
It just hovers for hours? Why is that? It almost looks like a star. But you can tell from the naked eye it isnโt a star or a helicopter or a plane. Itโs stationary. It has lights on both sides of it. And yeah my iPhone can only take not great quality videos. But I was concerned? They never figured out what any of these drones were. Glad all is well now and I donโt have to worry now that you have this article that tells me I am seeing things? My husband thinks itโs a satellite? Just glad you know. Thank you sir.
Would love to send you my phone video from last night
This writer: โThereโs nothing to worry about because I said so.โ Heโs a bit condescending.
Most likely it was just a few drones in the beginning having funโฆand then it spread through social media and the news, other drone operators started joining in and patrolling/trolling.
Beware of false knowledge, it is even more dangerous than ignoranceโฆ
George Bernard Shaw 1856-1951
If you think these drones were just coincidental, commercial or private drones keep drinking your fluorinated water itโs definitely working. As a former member of The United States Army 3rd SFG for 22 years , Iโm here to call BS on your article. Explain the 50 drones that followed a US Coast Guard Cutter for almost 2 hours a month ago. Some of those are our military, and other members of DHS etc. Some are misidentified aircraft etc. The majority of the rest are unknown UAVs. Stop bullshitting people.
So you went on a right leaning news source to try and talk sense to right wing dipshits who think ivermectin cures their brain worms too? Howโd that work out?
Youโre an idiot
The writer of this article has no idea what heโs talking about. If you see a giant drone hovering above your house, filming you for days upon daysโฆ..that is more than suspicious. People deserve answers! The government knows what they are and needs to disclose it to everyone. What a joke this writer is to push it a side and say itโs blown up, over-exaggerated hysteria. I guarantee he hasnโt seen one above his house or heโd be writing a different story. Pathetic article.
Catchy headlines can be intriguing and draw readers in. Itโs important to deliver content that truly matches the headlineโs promise. Misleading titles can erode trust and leave audiences feeling disappointed. Providing valuable and accurate information should always be the priority. Focus on creating content that genuinely benefits and respects the readerโs time.