Spate of drone collisions, close calls underscore growing risks

Aviation regulators are investigating a flurry of collisions and close calls between consumer drones and aircraft, encounters they say pose significant risks to the flying public. So far, none of the confirmed collisions has triggered a crash or even led to serious damage. Still, the FAA in a study based on computerised models concluded that drones would cause more damage than birds of similar size because they contain metal parts. Significant damage to windshields, wings and tail surfaces was possible, the study found. The surging number of incidents combined with a regulatory system that makes it difficult to monitor drone flights has alarmed by traditional aviation groups. "The likelihood that a drone will collide with an airline aircraft is increasing,” said a letter to US lawmakers earlier this week from A4A and aviation unions. <br/>