Rogue drones a growing nuisance across the U.S.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Rogue drones a growing nuisance across the U.S.

National Security

By Craig Whitlock August 10 at 7:21 PM 

Rogue drone operators are rapidly becoming a national nuisance, invading sensitive airspace and private property — with the regulators of the nation’s skies largely powerless to stop them. ... In recent days, drones have smuggled drugs into an Ohio prison, smashed against a Cincinnati skyscraper, impeded efforts to fight wildfires in California and nearly collided with three airliners over New York City.

Earlier this summer, a runaway two-pound drone struck a woman at a gay pride parade in Seattle, knocking her unconscious. In Albuquerque, a drone buzzed into a crowd at an outdoor festival, injuring a bystander. In Tampa, a drone reportedly stalked a woman outside a downtown bar before crashing into her car.

The altercations are the byproduct of the latest consumer craze: cheap, easy-to-fly, remotely piloted aircraft. Even basic models can soar thousands of feet high and come equipped with powerful video cameras — capabilities that would have been hard to foresee just a few years ago.

Reports began surfacing last year of runaway drones interfering with air traffic and crashing into buildings. But the problem has grown worse as drone sales have surged.

[Liberal_in_LA]

1. kick

[Blue_Tires]

2. If people keep fucking around, sooner or later

they are going to be banned for civilian use...

[MicaelS]

3. I doubt they'll be completely banned.

But I do expect heavy restrictions and licensing.

OTOH, you may be right. If a drone causes the crash of a full-size aircraft that results in the loss of even a single life, they I have no doubt they will be banned.

[Vinca]

4. Nothing will happen until one brings down a jetliner. And it will.