The recent surge in drone sightings across New Jersey has sparked curiosity and speculation, with some questioning their purpose and origins. As a seasoned drone pilot, I’ve seen firsthand how these versatile machines are used for everything from capturing stunning aerial footage to aiding in search and rescue missions. However, the sightings in New Jersey have taken on an air of mystery, leading to debates about whether they’re part of a new commercial operation, government testing, or simply hobbyists pushing the limits. In this blog, I’ll explore the possible explanations for these sightings and share my perspective on what might be buzzing in the skies.
Why I do not think there is a threat.
I don’t believe these sightings pose any real threat, primarily because the aircraft in question appear to be in full compliance with FAA lighting regulations. A bad actor likely wouldn’t bother following these rules, as their intent would be to avoid detection, not increase visibility. Drone lighting serves no functional purpose for the operator or the drone itself; it’s purely a safety measure to alert other aircraft. The idea of an Iranian drone ship operating off the coast is far-fetched in this context—why use a well-lit drone for clandestine purposes? Flying a lit drone at night is counterintuitive, as nighttime visibility for cameras is limited, and a small, unlit drone would go unnoticed far more easily during the day.
It IS Legal to Fly a Drone at Night
Contrary to some reports, drone flights at night are not illegal as long as they comply with FAA regulations. Pilots are required to equip their drones with a beacon visible from three statute miles to ensure safety and awareness. Although night flights are less common due to the added challenges of navigation and the typically less impressive imagery, they can serve critical purposes. Night photography offers unique perspectives, while roof inspections, police operations, and search-and-rescue missions often benefit from the cover or conditions of nighttime flying. These operations highlight the versatility and importance of drones, even outside of daylight hours.
The Problem with Eyes
At night, our eyes rely heavily on rod cells in the retina, which are more sensitive to low light but less capable of detecting detail, color, and depth compared to cone cells. This makes it harder to judge distances and accurately perceive the size of objects in the dark. Bright lights, like those on drones or aircraft, can create optical illusions, causing objects to appear larger or closer than they are. Similarly, an absence of surrounding reference points can make it difficult to gauge how far away an object truly is. The brain often compensates by interpreting limited visual information based on experience, but this can sometimes lead to mistaken perceptions, such as mistaking a small, close object for a large, distant one—or vice versa.
Some Sightings Could Be Manned Aircraft
While many are quick to label these sightings as drones, some could very well be manned aircraft. The lighting patterns seen in the videos align closely with those of small airplanes, which can often be mistaken for drones, especially at night. Additionally, experimental aircraft—designed with unconventional shapes or lighting configurations—can look unfamiliar and contribute to the confusion. When I first saw the footage, my initial thought was that it might simply be a small, experimental airplane rather than a drone, highlighting the importance of considering all possibilities before jumping to conclusions.
Explanation #1 - It's Normal Activity
These sightings are likely either manned aircraft or routine drone operations, rather than anything out of the ordinary. Drones are often used at night for a variety of legitimate purposes, thanks to advanced technologies like infrared cameras. For instance, they’re ideal for roof inspections to detect heat loss, searching for missing persons or suspects, and monitoring water systems for environmental studies or to catch illegal dumping in rivers. Nighttime also provides a unique opportunity for capturing dramatic videography, such as cityscapes or natural landscapes under the stars. Each of these activities is a common, practical use for drones that aligns with lawful operations, rather than anything suspicious.
Explanation #2 - It's Covert Operations
Another possibility is that these sightings could be part of a covert government operation. The FBI routinely prevents terrorist attacks and other threats without public disclosure, and for good reason—it’s often crucial to keep such operations under wraps. There might be a credible threat in the area, prompting the FBI to collaborate with the Department of Defense for support. The DOD could be deploying new drone technologies to address the situation, opting not to reveal their presence or capabilities to avoid tipping off any bad actors. While some transparency could ease public concerns, staying tight-lipped may be a strategic decision to maintain the operation’s effectiveness.
Explanation #3 - It's Political
The sightings also bring to mind the ongoing debate over the proposed bill to ban Chinese drones, which has gained little traction due to strong resistance from the drone community. Many pilots and industry insiders view the ban as less about national security and more about giving U.S. manufacturers a competitive edge in a market they’ve struggled to dominate due to high prices and underwhelming performance. Framing the ban as a security issue may simply be an attempt to stifle competition. Given the bill’s slow progress, it’s not far-fetched to imagine that proponents of the ban—whether U.S.-based drone companies or their advocates—might benefit from creating a “threat” to push the legislation forward. This could add another layer of intrigue to the sightings and their timing.
What can you do if you spot a suspect drone?
If you’re concerned about unusual drone activity, there are tools available to help you better understand what’s happening. Apps like FlightRadar24 and DroneScanner can provide valuable insights. FlightRadar24 tracks manned aircraft in real-time, allowing you to see if the object you’ve spotted is actually a small airplane or helicopter. On the other hand, DroneScanner can detect drones operating nearby by analyzing their radio frequencies, giving you a clearer idea of what’s in the air. By using these apps, you can gather more information about the aircraft in question and decide if there’s cause for concern or if it’s simply routine activity.
Don't Jump To Conclusions
As drones become an increasingly integrated part of our lives, it’s important to show restraint and understanding when encountering them. In the near future, drones will bring deliveries, medications, and more to our doorsteps in minutes, reducing traffic and improving efficiency. Most drone activity, especially in neighborhoods, is both innocent and legal. As a real estate drone pilot, I often fly over homes to capture stunning shots of a subject property, ensuring I avoid or blur out neighboring properties to respect privacy. If you’re ever concerned about a drone, start with curiosity rather than anger. A simple, polite question like, “Excuse me, would you mind if I ask what you’re shooting?” can go a long way. When approached kindly, I’m happy to explain my work, share the shots, and show how neighboring properties are handled. Building trust and understanding will help everyone navigate this evolving technology more smoothly.
When cars were first introduced in the U.S., they sparked widespread hysteria and fear. Many people were unsettled by the idea of these "horseless carriages" speeding down the streets, fearing they would disrupt the established way of life. There were concerns about safety, with some worrying that they would be dangerous or even cause accidents. In response, a variety of silly laws were introduced, such as requiring a person to walk in front of a car waving a red flag to warn pedestrians, or forcing drivers to stop every few hundred yards to let horses pass. Others feared that cars would change the fabric of society, bringing about chaos or the downfall of traditional industries like horse-drawn transport. Just as with modern technological innovations, the arrival of cars was met with skepticism and resistance, as people struggled to adapt to the rapid changes they brought.
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