Study: Encroaching Drones Usually Not Seen by Pilots | Aviation International News

Study: Encroaching Drones Usually Not Seen by Pilots

Pilots approaching a runway usually can’t see small unmanned aircraft systems encroaching on their airspace, an academic study says.

By Gordon Gilbert • Contributor - Accidents and Regulations

November 12, 2019

Pilots approaching a runway usually can’t see small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) encroaching on their airspace, and they virtually never detect motionless drones, according to a recently published study. During an airborne human factors experiment, pilots in a Cessna 172S failed to see a common type of quadcopter in motion during 28 of 40 close encounters, researchers with Oklahoma State University and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University reported.

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