The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a near-collision involving a drone and a helicopter near Hollywood, Florida, according to news reports.
Last week, a drone operator on Florida’s east coast posted a video that showed an incredibly close call with a helicopter. In the video, you’ll see the helicopter flying along the coast near Hollywood, FL approaching the drone, but the operator takes no evasive action, except to turn the camera around to try and capture video of the passing helicopter. After the FAA was informed of the video on Friday, August 17, 2018, the agency confirmed it was investigating the incident.
The video, posted by Masih Persian, was captioned with this: “Enjoying an afternoon flight with my drone around Hollywood Beach, FL. A private helicopter flew right into my drone. I guess I got lucky that day nothing has happened. Phewww.”
FAA rules prohibit drones from flying near other aircraft, and drone pilots should be aware of FAA Airspace Restrictions. One restriction states drones are not to fly over 400 feet. In the video comments, the pilot claims he was flying below that level.
With the number of drones entering the national airspace increasing, the potential for collisions between drones and manned aircraft increase too. Earlier this year, the FAA investigated a close call of a drone flying above a commercial airliner near Las Vegas. A routine U.S. Coast Guard training exercise almost turned into a disaster when a drone nearly collided with the Coast Guard helicopter. Last year, A U.S Army Black Hawk helicopter was't as lucky when a drone struck it near Hoffman Island, New York.
Drone pilots should always steer clear of manned aircraft and follow FAA regulations. Not sure where you can fly, check out the FAA UAS website for guidelines and resources. Always fly safe out there!
Source: CBS Miami (video)