NJ - Mystery drones seen nightly

[Jade]

The problem seems to stem from it’s just the FAA having regulations and powers over drones.

Introduced legislation would get the laws caught up so State and Local can work on enforcement.

[…]
Congress has provided the FAA with exclusive authority to regulate aviation safety, the efficiency of the navigable airspace, and air traffic control, among other things. State and local governments are not permitted to regulate any aircraft operations, such as flight paths or altitudes, or the navigable airspace. State and Local authorities may determine the take-off and landing areas for drones, but only the FAA has the authority to control the National Airspace.
[…]

FAA press release clarifies Federal vs Local Drone Authority


[…]
"It is also clear that this is not a job the federal government can do on its own and I would encourage you to empower state and local law enforcement entities with the ability to use advanced detection and mitigation technology," he continued. "Senators [Gary] Peters (D-MI) and [Ron] Johnson (R-WI) have pending legislation, the 'Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act of 2023' (S.1631) that would accomplish these goals."

The Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act of 2023 was introduced in three House of Representatives committees and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, but has not been voted on in either chamber.

[…]

The Department of Homeland Security has warned against that, saying, "Shooting down a drone can pose safety risks to people and property on the ground. Debris from a downed drone can cause injury or damage, especially in populated areas." Anyone who unlawfully shoots down a drone can also be fined up to $250,000 and face up to 20 years in prison, according to the DHS.

[...]
What to know about the federal drone bill backed by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy



There is a picture at the link of the square one I saw.

I wouldn't want anyone to look to shooting one down while I'm standing there looking up straining my eyes in wonder as it flies over me. It was big and high enough for the pieces to fly about and land with force.


all imo

 

[Simply Southern]

I'm not sure which bothers me more-- that most of those totes are still unaccounted for, or that they've stopped looking for them...

Moo... One tote was found on land, open and empty. Oh, I think they are still looking just not in the river. Each tote contained over 200 lbs of the chemical and were sealed.
They initially total locals they were searching for bodies but it was six weeks after the flood.
It was a private company, I don't want to name as the media did not report name.
Moo...

 

[Brightchaser47]

They initially total locals they were searching for bodies but it was six weeks after the flood.

RSBM
Seriously?! They need to take notes from Will Smith's character in MIB. jmo

 

[Jade]

From this link this is what the “square” one I saw sort of looked like. Like a regular drone with the “legs” but huge.

They do seem to be complying with FAA lighting regulations….

What to know about the federal drone bill backed by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy

AND local Reddit verifies my sighting someone else saw it too!

Kinda funny as they saw it a couple miles away where it seemed to have become confused around the cloverleaf of a major north south interstate- just like the snowbirds do.

It being Reddit there were scores of sarcastic and dismissive comments including someone saying they were land layout spies and someone said why spy they can just buy data from Pokémon Go!


[...]
Around 792,000 drones are registered with the FAA, nearly evenly divided between commercial and recreational use. They are used in various industries, including photography, agriculture and law enforcement.
[..]

https://www.cnn.com/2024/12/15/us/drone-sightings-east-coast/index.html

all imo

 

[Brightchaser47]

From this link this is what the “square” one I saw sort of looked like. Like a regular drone with the “legs” but huge.

They do seem to be complying with FAA lighting regulations….

View attachment 551888

RSBM
Yes, the FAA-compliant lights are re-assuring. Not sure a foreign entity would bother...

 

[kuromiiiilove]

I saw an interesting theory that our political officials are allowing whoever this is to stoke fear, because the FAA reauthorization act is set to expire, and they want public support to pass the 2024/25 act. Not saying that’s why the drones started appearing in the first place, only that it’s convenient for the FAA and DHS. MOO.

 

[arielilane]

The frustration continues...

@NewsNation

An Ocean County, New Jersey, sheriff is using his drone to investigate the unknown drones that have been spotted in the sky over the last month.

https://trib.al/7cJe8y5

https://twitter.com/x/status/1868673487222505744

50 drone sightings prompt New Jersey sheriff to action​

• Drones force airspace closures over Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
• FBI says the drones aren't the property of foreign governments
• Lawmakers want more answers from federal agencies

https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/ufo/50-drone-sightings-new-jersey-sheriff/?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow

12/16/2024

 

[Aegon_the_Conqueror]

Most plausible theory I've heard yet:
They're searching for a missing Russian interior decorator named Valery. Last seen in the Pine Barrens in early 2001.

 

[CLGM]

A far-fetched hypothesis based on nothing: maybe the incoming potus is letting some company (maybe it’s an Elon-led initiative) test out their drones which will be used for security for the incoming potus - maybe it’s a it will be new secret service tool (once he's in office). And nobody wants to shut it down, but they know what it is.

edited for clarity, maybe?

 

[amandab]

How has no one shot one of these down by now?

 

[jackornaught]

Most plausible theory I've heard yet:
They're searching for a missing Russian interior decorator named Valery. Last seen in the Pine Barrens in early 2001.

I believe it was from Czechoslovakia, but his house looked like...

 

[Simply Southern]

I saw an interesting theory that our political officials are allowing whoever this is to stoke fear, because the FAA reauthorization act is set to expire, and they want public support to pass the 2024/25 act. Not saying that’s why the drones started appearing in the first place, only that it’s convenient for the FAA and DHS. MOO.

Yup, also mind boggling State and Congregational Representatives are not acknowledging FAA can and does track by ID.
I'm kinda offended they think we are to stupid to look up the FAA and the policies.
Moo...

 

[Brightchaser47]

How has no one shot one of these down by now?

Who wants to go to prison over a duck hunt (I mean drone shot)?

 

[Simply Southern]

A far-fetched hypothesis based on nothing: maybe the incoming potus is letting some company (maybe it’s a Elon-led initiative) test out their drones which will be used for security for the incoming potus - maybe it’s a new secret service tool. And nobody wants to shut it down, but they know what it is.

Well, the FAA/FEMA didn't have any trouble stopping Elon from landing his helicopter in Asheville when he was bringing 1000s of Free Starlink systems engineers to set up and free service thru 2024.

Elon Musk says SpaceX is blocked from dropping hurricane relief

Elon Musk has lashed out at FEMA for preventing SpaceX from taking relief packages to hurricane-ravaged North Carolina.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Brightchaser47]

Yup, also mind boggling State and Congregational Representatives are not acknowledging FAA can and does track by ID.
I'm kinda offended they think we are to stupid to look up the FAA and the policies.
Moo...

Maybe the State/Congressional reps aren't all well-versed in the technology and law...

 

[arielilane]

It is a federal crime to shoot at a drone, meaning it is illegal nationwide. Shooting down a drone can also lead to state or local charges for violating other laws not specific to drones.

No, it’s not legal to shoot down a drone

People online have wondered if it’s legal to shoot at mystery drones spotted over New Jersey. It’s illegal under federal law.

www.wfaa.com

12/13/2024

 

[Simply Southern]

State official know enough to request portable tracking/surveillance systems.
Waiting to hear what they find out.
Moo...

 

[Brightchaser47]

State official know enough to request portable tracking/surveillance systems.
Waiting to hear what they find out.
Moo...

Interesting....

 

[Jade]

How has no one shot one of these down by now?

Would a regular person have a gun that would take down a big metal (?) object that high up?

It looks both utilitarian and scary at the same time.

It sort of looks like it might turn on you and attack all roboty! Especially if you were to miss and get it mad.


all imo

 

[arielilane]

Interesting article on laws on drone use:


Among the statewide restrictions in New Jersey, no one is allowed to operate a drone who is under the influence of drugs or who has a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent or higher.

As drone sightings spread beyond New Jersey, here's what to know about the laws regulating unmanned aircraft use

12/16/2024