ABC News correspondent Jim Ryan focuses on the increasing concerns about drone sightings in various states, including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland. The main issue is the lack of detailed information about these drones, such as who is operating them and their purpose. There are approximately 850,000 registered drones in the U.S., with many more unregistered, mostly recreational but some commercial.
The discussion highlights the difficulty in identifying drones, especially at night, and the potential for confusion with manned aircraft. Recreational drones can range from half a pound to 55 pounds, and larger commercial drones are used for construction and land surveys. The sightings vary in size, making it hard to determine their exact nature.
The conversation also touches on the legal aspects of drone operation, noting that drones with lights on are legal, while those flying without lights might have nefarious intentions. The federal government is deploying equipment to track these drones, similar to technology used to monitor birds at airports.
Concerns are raised about the proximity of drones to sensitive areas, including airports and military installations. For instance, Boston Logan Airport and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base had to close their airspace temporarily due to drone activity. The lack of information from the federal government is causing public fear and speculation, with some people considering taking matters into their own hands, which is illegal.
The conversation ends with a mention of conspiracy theories, such as the idea of an Iranian mothership, which have been dismissed. The hope is that the federal government will soon provide clear answers about the drone sightings.