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Drone Operators Arrested After Close Call with NYPD Helicopter

** In this undated photo, an NYPD
helicopter patrols New York City.**
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Two men were arrested in New York after their drone allegedly flew within 800 feet of an NYPD helicopter, forcing it to alter its course.
  • The helicopter tracked the drones to their landing site, leading to the apprehension of the two pilots who were subsequently charged with reckless endangerment.
  • This incident is the latest in a series of close encounters between aircraft and drones, occurring as the FAA is projected to miss its 2015 deadline for drone integration into American airspace.
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Two men have been arrested in New York after one of the drones they were flying allegedly came within 800 feet of a New York Police Department helicopter early Tuesday morning.

The helicopter was flying at 2,000 feet near the George Washington Bridge at approximately 12:15 a.m. when one of the two drones piloted by the men reportedly flew toward the helicopter, forcing the crew to alter its course.

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