Unauthorized Drone Halts Flights at Reagan National Airport in Highly Restricted D.C. Airspace
Flight operations at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., were briefly paused on Wednesday night after pilots on two separate aircraft reported seeing a drone flying near a runway and a taxiway. The incident occurred around 8 p.m., with one pilot from American Eagle Flight 5128 stating they saw a drone "flying by, probably halfway down the runway on final." Another pilot from Vista America also reported spotting a light that appeared to be a drone. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that departures were paused for approximately 20 minutes and that local and federal authorities were notified. The airspace over Washington, D.C., is among the most restricted in the nation, with drones typically unable to operate due to geofencing technology. Any drone operation in this area requires special authorization from the FAA or indicates tampering with the device. The FBI stated it works with law enforcement partners to investigate illegal drone activity that could threaten aviation safety, c...
