Pilot issues stark message to air traffic control over
An airline pilot reported hitting a drone as the flight was approaching the JFK International Airport for landing on Monday. According to the reports, the drone hit the JetBlue plane right above the cockpit and at about 3,000 feet, the pilot claimed.
The incident happened around 7.15am. "Just quickly… We collided with a drone back there on the turn,” one of the pilots told the air traffic control as the aircraft was flying at just 3,000 feet. "You said you collided?” the air traffic controller replied. “Yup, it hit us right above the cockpit,” the pilots responded.
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The incident involved JetBlue flight B9-948 as it was nearing the end of a four-hour journey from Las Vegas. Despite the collision, the pilots did not call for emergency services, and the aircraft proceeded to land normally on Runway 13L at New York’s JFK Airport.
In a statement, a spokesperson for JetBlue told PYOK: "On Monday, June 29, the crew of JetBlue flight 948from Las Vegas (LAS) to New York (JFK) reported a possible drone encounter during the aircraft’s final approach into New York.”
"The flight landed without incident, customers deplaned normally, and the plane was removed from service for a post-flight inspection, which found no damage or evidence of a collision. Safety is JetBlue’s first priority, and we will assist with any relevant investigations."
It happened only days after a United Airlines Boeing 737, carrying 106 passengers and five crew members, narrowly avoided a collision with a drone while on its final approach to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on Friday.
Although the FAA receives more than 100 reports each month of drones spotted near airports, operating drones without authorization in these areas is illegal under its regulations. #
Those responsible can face serious consequences, including fines, criminal charges, and even potential jail time.