FAA: Flight crew sees drone near JFK

NEW YORK (FOX5NY) - The crew of British Airways jet heading into John F. Kennedy Airport reported seeing a drone flying nearby, the FAA said Thursday.

British Airways Flight 177, a Boeing 777, was on its final approach to Runway 22 Left when the crew saw an "unmanned aircraft" about five miles northeast of the airport at about 5 p.m., the FAA said.

Drones are not supposed to be operated within five miles of any airport. That this drone was within that five-mile radius is unclear.

The crew said the drone was flying at an altitude between 1,800 and 2,200 feet, the FAA said.

The New York Police Department is investigating.

On occasion, drones have been spotted flying near New York airports. Earlier this month, a passenger aboard an American Airlines regional jet saw a drone near LaGuardia.

The federal government announced earlier this month that will require drones 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."