Why You Will Be Seeing Drones Flying Around Cape May

Remember when we went through that period in late 2024 in New Jersey when drone sightings were happening frequently in New Jersey and speculation about foreign involvement or alien invasions became a hot topic?

Some people were really freaking out. Invasion of the body snatchers-style.

It turned out that the sightings were a combination of commercial drones, drone hobbyists, and FAA research.

Well, there's a pretty good chance you are going to be hearing more about drone sightings in South Jersey over the next eleven days.  Here's why.

The FAA Announces Drone Detection Testing in Cape May

The FAA is holding drone detection testing in Cape May, New Jersey, between April 14-25.

The FAA is concerned about potential threats that drones could cause around places like airports, stadiums, oil and gas refineries and prisons.

So, the FAA’s Center of Excellence for UAS Research (ASSURE) will conduct the testing, and they have picked Cape May.

The Delaware River Bay Authority Police and other local first responders will also participate. 

The FAA has been testing drone detection technologies at airports over the last few years and is expanding testing to off-airport locations.

They hope the tests will help determine the effectiveness of these technologies and whether they might interfere with FAA or aircraft navigation systems.    

The FAA receives more than 100 drone-sighting reports near airports each month, and we want to send a clear message that operating drones around airplanes, helicopters, and airports is dangerous and illegal

 

Drones- Where and When You Will See Them

The FAA will operate several large drones and about 100 commercial off-the-shelf drones through April 25th.

Testing will take place over the water and near the Cape May Ferry Terminal during the daytime on weekdays only.

You should not fly recreational drones near this area during the test period.