Where The Drones Are

I want to thank you for writing a balanced and fair assessment about the threat of drones to aviation (Where The Drones Are, October 2016). Your article is perhaps the first rational discussion related to the dangers of these little plastic radio-control models. I have been a pilot for the past 22 years, and owned a Cessna 172 for the past 12 years. I would certainly hate to hit one of these things.

Editorial Staff

Monday, October 24, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The potential threat of drones to aviation is primarily at low altitudes, but many operators adhere to rules, and personal aircraft generally operate above common drone flight envelopes.
There's a debate on spin recovery training, with some arguing it's ineffective for low-altitude stall/spin accidents where recovery is often impossible; however, the publication suggests it helps pilots understand aircraft limits for better avoidance.
The magazine maintains consistency by using NTSB terminology and phrasing in its accident briefs, despite reader suggestions for more concise language and additional details.

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I want to thank you for writing a balanced and fair assessment about the threat of drones to aviation (“Where The Drones Are,” October 2016). Your article is perhaps the first rational discussion related to the dangers of these little plastic radio-control models. I have been a pilot for the past 22 years, and owned a Cessna 172 for the past 12 years. I would certainly hate to hit one of these things.