How to Tell the Difference Between a Drone and an Airplane or Helicopter
Planes & Helicopters
Flashing lights with at least one red anti-collision light, often two
Steady, red and green colored lights
Flashing white strobe lights at wingtips
Bright landing lights
Move smoothly in the air
Typically operate above 400 feet
Drones
Only required to have one bright, anti-collision light visible up to 3 miles away
Some have more than one light (when they have multiple lights, they are closer together)
Quieter, but more high-pitched buzzing noise
Can stop moving and pivot 90 degrees quickly
Typically operate below 400 feet
If you notice suspicious aircraft in your area:
Take a picture or video of it immediately.
Go to
FlightRadar24.com
and look for aircraft near you. You can use the Playback feature to go back in time.
If there are no known aircraft in your area during the time of the sighting, please contact your local law enforcement agency.
DO NOT CALL 911.
Report unlawful drone activity
to the FAA.
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