Drone Groups, Aviation Associations Want Action on Las Vegas Stunt

CTA, groups representing drone makers and users and aviation industry associations asked the FAA to investigate a video that shows an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flying directly above an airliner making its final approach at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas. A video hit the internet Friday. “This careless and reckless behavior endangers the safety of our airspace for all users,” said Monday's letter to acting Administrator Daniel Elwell, included in an email blast the next day. “We urge the FAA to use its full authority to investigate, identify, and apprehend the operator of this UAS flight and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. We also encourage the FAA to work with law enforcement in Las Vegas and Nevada to pursue all applicable charges within their authority.” The agency said it's investigating. “Although details are still emerging about the nature of the operations, it seems certain that the stunt violated FAA regulations,” blogged Wiley lawyers Sara Baxenberg and Josh Turner. “The only questions appear to be which ones, and how many?”