Pilot Reports Drones Near Queensboro Bridge: FAA

Federal officials are investigating after a helicopter pilot reported seeing two drones flying near the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge in Queens Thursday afternoon.

The pilot said the drones were flying near the bridge over the East River at an altitude of about 500 feet, according to FAA. They didn't interfere with any aviation paths but unmanned aircraft are not allowed to fly there, officials said.

The FAA is already investigating three other pilots' reports of drones flying too close to their planes as they approached Kennedy Airport this week. The close calls happened in Nassau County on Long Island. 

The FAA requires UAVs, or drones, to keep a low altitude and safe distance from commercial aircraft. On Wednesday, the National Transportation Safety Board ruled it now has the power to hold drone operators accountable when they fly the machines recklessly. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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