FAA: drone-plane close calls are up
WASHINGTON – There has yet to be a confirmed U.S. collision between a drone and a manned aircraft, but there’s a growing number of close calls as drones fly where they least belong – near airports.
A report released Friday counted at least 241 reports of close encounters between drones and manned aircraft that meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s definition of a near-collision, including 28 incidents in which pilots had to veer out of the way.
The analysis by Bard College’s Center for the Study of the Drone found that 90 of the close drone encounters involved commercial jets.
The FAA defines a near-collision as two aircraft flying within 500 feet of each other. In 51 of the incidents studied, the drone-to-aircraft clearance was 50 feet or less, the report said.
Most of the sightings occurred within 5 miles of an airport and at altitudes higher than 400 feet. Those are spaces in which the FAA prohibits drones from flying, raising questions about the effectiveness of the rules.
New Jersey looks at more gambling
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – New Jersey voters would be asked in November whether to approve two new casinos in the northern part of the state under an agreement unveiled Friday by lawmakers.
The deal announced by Senate President Steve Sweeney calls for a November 2016 referendum on whether to approve two new casinos in separate northern New Jersey counties. The ballot question would not specify locations for either casino.
Tax revenue from the new casinos would go to help Atlantic City compensate from the expected loss of business; to each county and municipality for tax relief for senior citizens and the disabled; and to the state’s struggling horse racing industry. It does not specify the tax rate the new casinos would pay.
If voters agree to amend the state constitution to permit casinos beyond Atlantic City, it would mark the biggest change in legalized gambling since casinos began operating in the seaside resort in 1978.
Associated Press
