If we are so worried by drones, then why are we not equally worried by birds?
Who's not worried about bird strikes? Bird strikes have caused many helicopter crashes and unfortunately numerous deaths.
Similarly even a small drone could be a hazard to light helicopters like the Robinson R22.
The biggest threat with drones is the human operator:
- Drunk people who think "it's funny" to harass helicopters with their drones, and might even try to purposely hit one
- People who for some reason think they "must" fly their drones over an active accident site while an Air Ambulance is trying to land or take-off
- Kids who think it's cool to fly drones right over airports and even along the active runway
- Folks who want to "compete" with police & news helicopters over a crime scene, so they can post a footage to their friends on Facebook that night
Through August 20th the FAA has logged over 750 drone "events" this year alone.