Drone Experts: How Two Brothers Became Go-To on Mystery Drones
- Increased drone sightings near Long Island MacArthur Airport are raising safety concerns and prompting investigations by local and federal authorities.
- Suffolk county officials are grappling with a surge in reports of unidentified aerial phenomena near Long Island MacArthur Airport.
- on Christmas Day alone, the airport experienced 17 separate drone incidents, according to the Suffolk County Sheriff's Office.
“`html
Unidentified Aerial Phenomena over long Island: A Growing Concern
Table of Contents
Increased drone sightings near Long Island MacArthur Airport are raising safety concerns and prompting investigations by local and federal authorities. The incidents, some involving drones described as unusually large, have disrupted air operations and sparked a search for the operators.
last updated: August 26,2025,10:50:16 AM PDT
The Surge in Sightings
Suffolk county officials are grappling with a surge in reports of unidentified aerial phenomena near Long Island MacArthur Airport. Chris Brockmeyer, chief deputy sheriff of Suffolk County, stated in a local news interview that the incidents are occurring “over the airport, over taxiways, over runways,” characterizing this as a “serious safety concern” that has “impacted air operations.”
on Christmas Day alone, the airport experienced 17 separate drone incidents, according to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, at a press conference, described some of the drones as being “as large as a car,” raising further alarm about their potential capabilities and intent.
The Tedescos and the Inquiry
The Tedescos, a group specializing in UAP investigation, are actively involved in the response. Due to restrictions on using active radar systems near airports, they deployed handheld millimeter-wave radar to detect and track the objects. The Tedescos are collaborating informally with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation.
FAA Regulations and drone Safety
Operating drones near airports is strictly regulated by the FAA.The FAA’s website provides detailed facts on drone regulations, including restrictions on altitude, proximity to airports, and required registration. Violations can result in significant fines and potential criminal charges.
Key FAA Regulations:
- drones cannot be flown within 5 miles of an airport without prior authorization.
- Maximum altitude is 400 feet above ground level.
- Drones must be registered with the FAA if they weigh more than 0.55 pounds.
- operators must maintain visual line of sight with the drone at all times.
Potential explanations and Concerns
While the exact nature and intent of these drone operations remain unknown, several possibilities are being considered.These range from recreational drone enthusiasts violating regulations to more intentional attempts to disrupt air travel or conduct surveillance. The size of some of the drones, as reported by County Executive Romaine, suggests they might potentially be equipped with advanced capabilities.