With increasing reports of unidentified flying objects, many people are asking, “What’s flying over me?” Distinguishing between a drone and an airplane can be tricky, but understanding key differences in appearance, movement, and available tracking resources can help solve the mystery. This article provides practical tips and expert advice to help you identify what you see in the sky.
Using Technology to Identify Aircraft
One of the easiest ways to determine if that object in the sky is a plane is by utilizing readily available technology. Flightradar24.com offers a real-time radar of active flights, providing details such as flight numbers, origin, and destination. This free resource (with optional subscription for enhanced features) can quickly confirm if a visible aircraft corresponds with a scheduled flight.
alt text: Screenshot of Flightradar24 showing airplane locations and flight information.
Visual Clues for Identifying Drones
While flight tracking apps are excellent for identifying planes, recognizing drones often relies on visual observation. Drone experts suggest looking for specific characteristics:
- Hovering: A key indicator of a drone is its ability to hover in a fixed position. Unlike planes, which maintain continuous forward motion, drones can remain stationary in the air.
- Lighting: Drones, especially during nighttime flights, display distinct lighting patterns. Look for a series of red and green lights, often accompanied by flashing anti-collision lights. These lights differ significantly from the navigation and strobe lights found on airplanes.
- Size and Shape: Drones generally appear smaller and have a different profile than traditional aircraft. While some larger drones are emerging, most consumer and commercial drones are relatively compact. Familiarize yourself with common drone models in your area.
alt text: Close-up image of a drone with visible red and green lights.
Context Matters: Location and Flight Patterns
Consider your location and typical air traffic when assessing what you see. If you’re in an area not near an airport or common flight paths, and you observe a low-flying object, it’s more likely to be a drone. Conversely, frequent airplane traffic near airports makes it less probable that an unknown object is a drone.
Seeking Expert Opinion
If you’re still unsure about what’s flying overhead, capturing a picture or video of the object can be invaluable. Consulting with drone experts or aviation professionals can provide a definitive answer. Local drone organizations or aviation authorities often offer resources for identifying unfamiliar aircraft. Ashlee Cooper, a Drone Pro for the State of Delaware and CEO of Droneversity, encourages seeking expert opinions and highlights the increasing prevalence of drones in various sectors, including delivery and emergency response.
Conclusion: Decoding the Skies
Determining “what’s flying over me” requires a combination of observation, technology, and knowledge. By using available resources like Flightradar24, understanding the visual cues of drones, and considering the context of the sighting, you can often identify the mysterious object in the sky. Remember, if doubts persist, seeking expert opinion is always recommended. As drone technology advances and their presence in our airspace increases, becoming familiar with these identification techniques will become increasingly important.
