241 near collisions between pilots, drones

[eBird]

In the paper today

 

[CactusJackSlade]

Not that this is not a potentially serious issue... but I'd like to see those reports. There are no doubt some "close" calls" but have you ever been up in a small plane? You have a hard time seeing another small plane at any distance and have to keep your eyes peeled at all times let alone a 2 foot square object. I'm a bit dubious that a jet airline pilot or any pilot could see one on approach. Not impossible mind you, but extremely difficult. My take is that GROUND reports put a "drone" near a plane and the person making that observation could be WAY off as to the actual proximity.

Here is some testing on this very issue - same test, different articles I think:

Blogs
Drones prove difficult for ag pilots to see - AOPA

 

[GooseMayne]

I totally agree with you Jack. I've flown in small single engine aircraft and spotting a drone would be **** near impossible.

 

[Meta4]

I've flown in small single engine aircraft and spotting a drone would be **** near impossible.

Sure it might be hard to spot a drone from a plane ... but it's easy to see a yellow dishwasher or a weather balloon, reflection, bird, Venus etc, etc,