FAA: Passenger sees drone near LaGuardia

Just a day after federal officials announced the coming of new drone registration rules, a passenger of a commercial jet flying into New York City claimed to see an unmanned aircraft near the plane.

American Airlines Flight 4125, an Embraer E145 regional jet, was on approach to LaGuardia airport from St. Louis when the passenger told the crew of the drone, the FAA said. The flight landed safely just after 4:30 p.m.  The FAA said it would investigate.

Drones are not supposed to be operated within five miles of any airport.

Concerned about rising reports of close calls and safety risks involving drones, the U.S. government announced Monday it will require many of the increasingly popular unmanned aircraft to be registered.

Pilot sightings of drones have doubled since last year, including near manned airplanes and at major sporting events, and there are reports of interference with wildfire-fighting operations, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said at a news conference.

"These reports signal a troubling trend," said Federal Aviation Administration chief Michel Huerta. Registration will increase pressure on drone operators to fly responsibly, he said, adding, "When they don't fly safely, they'll know there will be consequences."