Another close encounter with a drone by a Virgin American pilot who was approaching landing into Dallas Love Field Airport on Tuesday night. As reported by NBCDFW.com, “According to a statement from City Manager Jose Torres, Dallas police were notified by the Love Field tower that a pilot on Virgin Flight 769 from New York LaGuardia to Dallas reported seeing the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) as they passed over the 19-story Crescent Hotel.” Reportedly, the flight was coming in for a landing and was at about 1,000 feet when the drone came into sight climbing to and altitude of 1,200 feet above them.

Virgin America Plane Has Close Encounter At 1,000 Feet

“Federal Aviation Administration Mid-States Public Affairs Manager Lynn Lunsford said the flight crew reported seeing the red and green lights of the quadcopter over the runway and then it rose to approximately 200 feet above them as the plane descended toward runway 31R.”

“The small aircraft should not have been in the air at all without permission from the Love Field tower,” Lunsford said. “This applies to all flights within five miles of any airport.”

“The pilot of Virgin’s Airbus 319 did not have to take evasive action and the flight landed safely just before 9:30 p.m.”

“At this time the operator of the UAV has not been located.”

 Bottom Line 

Drones are becoming an increasing problem for airlines and passengers alike. It does seem like a risk when planes and drones come into such close contact. What do you think the answer is?