Multiple reports of alleged drone sightings in New Hampshire are starting to emerge, but safety officials said there are “no credible reports” of activity in the state, such as the activity in New Jersey. To help ease residents’ concerns, a local flight expert is providing possible explanations for the lights in the sky. Mark Donovan has worked as a flight instructor at Laconia Flight Academy. He said authorization is required to fly a drone in controlled airspace, along with licenses and permissions from air traffic authorities.”There’s FAA rules that you cannot just pop a drone up in, controlled airspace and that you have to have remote ID,” Donovan said. As of March 16, a rule went into effect stating every drone needs to broadcast an identifying signal called a “Remote ID.” Pilots aren’t legally able to fly, he says, without that signal operating. >> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
Multiple reports of alleged drone sightings in New Hampshire are starting to emerge, but safety officials said there are “no credible reports” of activity in the state, such as the activity in New Jersey.
To help ease residents’ concerns, a local flight expert is providing possible explanations for the lights in the sky. Mark Donovan has worked as a flight instructor at Laconia Flight Academy.
He said authorization is required to fly a drone in controlled airspace, along with licenses and permissions from air traffic authorities.
“There’s FAA rules that you cannot just pop a drone up in, controlled airspace and that you have to have remote ID,” Donovan said.
As of March 16, a rule went into effect stating every drone needs to broadcast an identifying signal called a “Remote ID.” Pilots aren’t legally able to fly, he says, without that signal operating.
>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play
If a drone model doesn’t come equipped with one, a pilot needs to secure a device that provides it. Due to the fact that each drone needs an identifier, Donovan notes officials should be aware of what’s in the air.
“When I hear that there’s no safety hazard or no legal issues in my mind, that’s totally wrong,'” he said.
New Hampshire Department of Safety spokesperson Tyler Dumont told News 9 in a statement, “We are aware of the reports regarding drone activity in New Jersey. There have been no credible reports of similar activity in New Hampshire to date. Residents and visitors should not be alarmed by consumer drones that are being legally operated by hobbyists in the state. The Department of Safety encourages recreational flyers to comply with federal regulations and review guidelines from the New Hampshire Bureau of Aeronautics.”
Residents News 9 spoke with Sunday say they’re worried about reports of unknown aircraft in the northeast, including suspicions they’re from another country.
“We wonder what they’re doing,” said Wendy Cogswelm from Manchester. “Are they spying on us? Are they looking for an angle they might be able to attack us?”
Donovan said there are possible reasons behind the secrecy. Some of the drones, he notes, can have different sensors to take measurements like temperature.
“I think the government knows what it is and just doesn’t want to share it,” Donovan said.
Theories about the drone’s origin are even extending beyond the atmosphere.
“My brother has this weird theory that they are aliens and that’s what the orbs are from, but the drones, the aliens made those,” said Kristine LaBounty from Bow.
For Donovan, there’s a simpler explanation.
“It easily could be misconstrued through that when you’re seeing all these lights that it could look like something weird,” Donovan said. “It’s just typical of any aircraft, on approach or taking off from an airport.”
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen issued a statement, which said, “Any incursion of U.S. airspace by unidentified Unmanned Aircraft Systems is concerning. I urge local and federal law enforcement to work together to uncover the source of these drones, and any viewings should continue to be reported.”