DRONES OR UFOs?

Eastern Colorado and into southeast Cheyenne County are abuzz with concern about night sightings of drones, unmanned aircraft, flying above private property.

Some reports indicate craft with wingspans nearing six-feet.

U.S. Sen. Deb. Fischer (R-Neb.) responded to the reports Friday, Jan. 3.

"My staff and I are aware of the recent drone sightings. We have been in touch with the FAA, and are monitoring the situation closely. I encourage Nebraskans to notify their local law enforcement office of any additional sightings," Sen. Fischer said in a written report.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the Sidney Sun-Telegraph Monday, confirming the agency is looking into the reported sightings.

"We take every drone-sighting report seriously," FAA Pacific Division Public Affairs Manager Ian Gregor said in a written statement. "Multiple FAA divisions are working closely with federal, state and local stakeholders to try to determine whether the reported sightings in Colorado and Nebraska are drones and, if so, who is operating them and for what reason."

A meeting was held Monday for local agencies to share information and to discuss how to share resources.

Gregor said the FAA has contacted UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems) test sites, drone companies and companies that have authority to operate drones in these areas. So far, none of the companies and individuals contacted were the source of the reported drone flights. He said the FAA has also contacted General Aviation airports in the area, encouraging pilots to be cautious and to report sightings and anyone operating drones from the ground.

"We are in contact with federal law enforcement and national security partners to discuss potential ways they can assist in identifying who may be operating these aircraft," Gregor said.

On Dec. 31, the Chase County Sheriff's Office released a statement that they have been investigating drone sightings since Saturday, Dec. 28, documenting sightings Dec. 30. The department has contacted the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FBI. As of Dec. 31, the department was unsuccessful in locating the drone operators or determine the motivation of the flights.

On Dec. 20, the Phillips County (Colorado) Sheriff's Office released a statement that they have been investigating "multiple reports of drone sightings in the county over the last week." The release said that on Dec. 20, Phillips and Yuma County deputies were out at night tracking more than 16 drones between the two counties. Residents were encouraged to contact authorities if a drone is seen flying over private property or looking into windows.

The Morgan County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) also issued a release acknowledging they received several calls of drone sightings. The release says MCSO deputies have seen them as well. In the release, Sheriff Dave Martin said shooting down a drone is a federal crime.

The drones reportedly are seen 200 to 300 feet in the air, flown between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. in groups of 17 or more.

According to the FAA Fact Sheet - Small Unmanned Aircraft Regulations (Part 107), a drone operator must keep the drone within sight. If using a First Person View, the operator must also use a visual observer who can track the drone with unaided sight. Neither the operator nor the visual observer can be responsible for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at a time.

Part 107 also says unmanned aircraft can only flown during daylight, defined as 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset; twilight flying is allowed with appropriate anti-collision lighting. Minimum weather visibility is three miles from the control station, and maximum allowable altitude is 400 feet above the ground (higher if the drone remains within 400 feet of a structure), and maximum speed is 100 mph (87 knots).

An operator can request a waiver to most restrictions. However, the operator has to show the operation will maintain a level of safety at least equivalent to the restriction the operator wants waived.

Anyone flying under Part 107 is required to register each drone they operate. If the drone is less than 55 lbs., the applicant can use the automated registration system through the FAA. Registration costs $5 and is good for three years.

Presently, drone operators can use the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) to notify air traffic of their intent to fly in the area. The LAANC automates the application and approval process for most UAS operators to obtain airspace authorization, as if filing a flight plan for a drone.

On Dec. 26, 2019, the FAA announced a proposed rule that would require Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS, also known as drones) to be identifiable remotely. The proposed Remote ID would apply to all drones that are required to register with the FAA, and people operating foreign civil UAS in the U.S. Remote ID would not be required for recreational drones weighing under .55 pounds, according to the FAA press release.

"Remote ID technologies will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their jurisdiction," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The FAA is accepting input on the proposed change. The comment period ends March 2, 2020.