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"The drone debate has reached Central Florida. According to a new report, Orlando is one of the top cities in the nation for close-calls between drones and planes.Drones are increasing in popularity, and according to a study by Bard College, Orlando ranks 11th among United States cities with the most drone incidents. The study said there have been 13 reported cases of drones coming near planes in Orlando over the past two years. Six of those were considered \"close encounters,\" meaning they met the Federal Aviation Administration's definition of a \"near mid-air collision.\"Of the six close encounters, five involved non-commercial planes and one involved an Orange County sheriff's helicopter. In that incident, the drone came within 300 feet of the chopper.All reported incidents occurred between 300 feet and 2,300 feet, officials said.Roy Caswell runs a drone boot camp in Longwood.  He teaches people how to fly drones safely.\"The No. 1 mistake is flying places that they really have no business flying, or flying too high. If you're above 400 feet, at 500 feet and up, that's for manned aircraft and you really have no business being there,\" Caswell said.The FAA's regulation of drones is evolving. The law currently requires they fly below 400 feet and stay 5 miles away from any airport. The researchers behind the study said the Orlando incidents involved drone users violating FAA regulations, so they pointed out that education is as much a part of the solution as regulation.The FAA announced that all drones and other unmanned aerial systems that weigh over 250 grams will require owner registration. It will be available starting Dec. 21 and will cost $5."
<https://www.wesh.com/article/orlando-ranks-11th-among-u-s-cities-with-drone-incidents/4446471>