Drone spotted on approach to LHR
Jul 17, 2022, 9:06 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 501
I stand by my opinion that this COULD'VE happened but I don't think it did due to Heathrows counter measures and the fact that it would have a big impact on operations, none of which was reported.
Last edited by Prospero; Jul 18, 2022 at 12:50 am Reason: Remove personal attacks
Jul 17, 2022, 10:02 pm
#17
Join Date: Oct 2012
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At that time before landing the flight would have been over Windsor at between 1000-2000ft and around 170kts. It can be hard to judge distance in any situation, so I would suggest the actual separation may have been significantly more.
Jul 18, 2022, 1:23 am
#18
Original Poster
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We were well past Windsor as we were a good deal closer to the ground. The white drone was very close, hence the glance was fleeting, probably only for a second at such a close distance but this gave me a close up view. If it were further away I would have been able to watch it track across for longer. Nevertheless, it was crystal clear that it was a drone and I immediately exclaimed the fact to my fellow passengers. For the record, and for any doubters, I'd had a large dry lunch in Budapest, had also eaten in the lounge without alcohol and had only had one can of Speedbird IPA with lunch onboard early in the flight. The visibility outside the aircraft was excellent. I can only report what I saw.
Jul 18, 2022, 1:29 am
#19
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Please describe the LHR counter measures that are in place as you seem to know a lot about them.
Jul 18, 2022, 1:43 am
#21
Join Date: Dec 2007
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As I said it's entirely possible although unlikely. If it did happen I'm wondering why it wasn't spotted by Heathrow. It can't have been spotted otherwise flights would've been delayed/diverted and it would make the news very quickly. So the fact that no action has been taken is why I don't think it happened
ATC are never aware until it’s reported by a pilot. I think you have a bit too much confidence in the countermeasures tech.
Even if there’s some in the immediate vicinity of LHR, 90 seconds is 4 miles away anyhow. The idea that they are triangulating the drivers is cloud cuckoo land I’m afraid.
Last edited by Jumbodriver; Jul 18, 2022 at 1:50 am
Jul 18, 2022, 2:20 am
#22
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Those were not the words you used, and words colour the sentiment you express. I think that colouring is what put some contributors' backs up.
Without evidence to refute the OP's claims, and bearing in mind the convention that we avoid questioning the veracity of claims made in a post, it's probably better not to use a rhetorical device that invites us to doubt the evidence reported by the OP.
Maybe better to suggest alternatives to explain what was reported rather than rely on a sketchy understanding of the scope and scale of drone defences to refute the OP's evidence and conclusions.
Maybe better to suggest alternatives to explain what was reported rather than rely on a sketchy understanding of the scope and scale of drone defences to refute the OP's evidence and conclusions.
Jul 18, 2022, 2:37 am
#23
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 460
I had no idea it was as frequent an occurrence as Jumbodriver reports.
I assume it’s all hobbyists rather than people with malign intent. What idiots to do this so close to a major airport.
Edited to add, it really is unedifying to pile onto the OP. After all they’re not suggesting powering a hot dog maker pooling power from 6 seats or printing off their thesis whilst eating breakfast in a lounge.
I assume it’s all hobbyists rather than people with malign intent. What idiots to do this so close to a major airport.
Edited to add, it really is unedifying to pile onto the OP. After all they’re not suggesting powering a hot dog maker pooling power from 6 seats or printing off their thesis whilst eating breakfast in a lounge.
Jul 18, 2022, 5:59 am
#26
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 501
it’s not unlikely. It happens several times a week at LHR.
ATC are never aware until it’s reported by a pilot. I think you have a bit too much confidence in the countermeasures tech.
Even if there’s some in the immediate vicinity of LHR, 90 seconds is 4 miles away anyhow. The idea that they are triangulating the drivers is cloud cuckoo land I’m afraid.
ATC are never aware until it’s reported by a pilot. I think you have a bit too much confidence in the countermeasures tech.
Even if there’s some in the immediate vicinity of LHR, 90 seconds is 4 miles away anyhow. The idea that they are triangulating the drivers is cloud cuckoo land I’m afraid.
Last edited by Jzlerner; Jul 18, 2022 at 6:04 am
Jul 18, 2022, 6:00 am
#27
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 501
Those were not the words you used, and words colour the sentiment you express. I think that colouring is what put some contributors' backs up.
Without evidence to refute the OP's claims, and bearing in mind the convention that we avoid questioning the veracity of claims made in a post, it's probably better not to use a rhetorical device that invites us to doubt the evidence reported by the OP.
Maybe better to suggest alternatives to explain what was reported rather than rely on a sketchy understanding of the scope and scale of drone defences to refute the OP's evidence and conclusions.
Without evidence to refute the OP's claims, and bearing in mind the convention that we avoid questioning the veracity of claims made in a post, it's probably better not to use a rhetorical device that invites us to doubt the evidence reported by the OP.
Maybe better to suggest alternatives to explain what was reported rather than rely on a sketchy understanding of the scope and scale of drone defences to refute the OP's evidence and conclusions.
Jul 18, 2022, 6:03 am
#28
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 501
This is the main reason I do not believe the OP. In the OP's first post they mentioned that unless the pilot was literally looking the opposite direct they would've seen the drone. So as this poster says the plane was met by police. Presumably there was some investigation of only minor. In the OP's case, no police, no investigation, no change in operations at LHR and no news stories. When drones are reliably sited they cause huge problems for airports leading to delays, cancellations and diversions. Undoubtedly it would make the news. In the OP's case this was dismissed with the bat of an eyelid. That's why I think it was unlikely. 1) because of the counter measures. 2) even despite the counter measures a drone sitting would massively affect operations. This did not happen
Jul 18, 2022, 6:04 am
#29
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Jul 18, 2022, 6:05 am
#30
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