Lawmakers Call For Stricter Drone Laws

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Controlled from the ground but too close for comfort up in the air. Since last Friday, there have been three incidents of drones and airplanes crossing airspace.

Alex DeMetrick reports that's bringing calls for tougher rules and technology.

Drones aren't supposed to come anywhere near the airspace planes come in---but last Friday, there was an incident. The Delta jet landed safely at JFK Airport in New York. On Sunday, another Delta flight spotted a drone as it was landing. Both faced similar risks.

"These drones are made with aircraft aluminum, similar to parts to the aircraft it's about to strike. Going into an engine can destroy an engine; going into the cockpit window can injure or even kill a pilot," said Phil Derner, NYCAviation.com.

Also on Sunday, a small prop plane took evasive action from a drone over New Jersey. The Airplane Owners and Pilots Association has a strong suggestion for drone operators.

"That they operate by the rules like everyone else does," said Melissa Rudinger.

Other than staying well clear of airports and runway airspace, the FAA has proposed rules for drone flight. Among them, they must weigh less than 55 pounds, remain in sight of the operator, have a maximum speed of 100 miles per hour and stay below 500 feet in altitude.

"It's true the FAA has put preliminary recommendations to ensure safety, but these regulations don't come close or as far as they should be to protect aircraft," said Senator Charles Schumer.

Hobbyists must fly by model airplane rules in prescribed recreation areas and there may be a way of equipping drones so they don't stray. There is software called geofencing that exists right now for keeping drones away from aircrafts.

"And a drone that's equipped with the proper software literally would not be able to fly into that airspace. It's a virtual fence that would help separate aircraft," Rudinger said.

"We should require that every drone sold in the US has that built-in software. We could all breathe a sigh of relief," Schumer said.

Finalized rules for flying drones is not expected from the FAA until the end of the year.