CHICOPEE — Westover Air Reserve Base has received recent reports of drone activity,
But it hasn’t tracked any flights and no unmanned airborne interlopers have disrupted flight operations at the sprawling home of the 439th Airlift Wing, said Timothy Jensen, a public affairs specialist.
There have been sightings as well in the vicinity of Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Conn., said Brian Spyros, spokesman for the Connecticut Airport Authority.
Like Westover, Bradley reports that the sightings have not forced adjustments to airport operations.
“The CAA is working collaboratively with the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and federal and state law enforcement on monitoring and addressing any occurrences,” Spyros said.
Bradley is home not only to commercial passenger and cargo flights but also to units of the Connecticut Army National Guard and the Connecticut Air Guard.
Drone sightings near airports and military installations are the latest fad, leaving authorities to discern real drones from mistaken reports. Drone sightings near airports and military installations are the latest fad, leaving authorities to discern real drones from mistaken reports. A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over New Jersey and across the eastern U.S., sparking speculation and concern over where they came from and why.
The House Intelligence Committee grilled federal law enforcement and intelligence officials about the drones during a closed-door meeting Tuesday, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut told CNN. Authorities told the panel there still is no evidence of public safety or national security threats, Himes said.
Westover’s Jensen passed on the official stance of the base’s parent organization, the Air Force Reserve Command: The Pentagon deems drones as an urgent and growing threat both here and abroad and the Department of Defense takes unauthorized overflights of its installations seriously.
Per FAA regulations, drones are required to stay at least 5 miles away from an airport’s perimeter.
Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport and the Barnes Air National Guard Base located there both reported not getting any recent drone sighting reports.
Barnes airport manager Christopher J. Willenborg said there is a protocol in place if there is a sighting, either spotted by airport staff or phoned in from the public.
The airport would notify Westfield Police and airport staffers would also try and locate any drone and its fliers themselves.
If airport staffers find people near the airport with a drone, they just remind the enthusiasts to stay away from the airport and that there are federal rules. Willenborg said check the FAA’s website, faadronezone, or download a digital map showing restricted zones.
State Sen. John Velis, D-Westfield, plans to introduce legislation for the coming term that he hopes will clarify drone rules and codify them into state law.
State Senator John Velis speaks during Westfield’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony. (Don Treeger / The Republican) 11/11/2024The Republican
The legislation did not pass in the most recent term. He has until Jan. 17 to refile for the coming term, the Democrat said in a statement.
Velis’ legislation would define “drone” as an unmanned aircraft which is operated remotely without the possibility of direct human intervention from within or on the aircraft.
“Restricted space” shall mean an airspace within five miles of an airport or as designated by general or special law.
Velis’ law would ban drone operators from operating more than 400 feet from ground level, without being able to see the drone in restricted airspace, in a reckless manner or in an attempt to harass or annoy.
Associated Press reports were included.
