SWAPA Praises Senator Feinstein's Leadership to Reduce Danger to Passenger Aircraft Posed by Recreational Drones

DALLAS, June 18, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On behalf of the more than 8,000 pilots of Southwest Airlines, Paul Jackson, President of the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), expressed his support of the Drone Safety Act, which was introduced today by Senator Dianne Feinstein of California. 

"Encounters involving recreational drones and commercial airliners are occurring with increased frequency," said SWAPA President Paul Jackson. "The introduction of Senator Feinstein's bill comes on the heels of two recent incidents involving recreational drones invading the flight path of a Southwest aircraft on final approach - one in Dallas at 1,000 feet and the other at LAX at over 4,000 feet.

It is clear that hobbyist drone operators are not complying with the FAA's guidance on the safe operation of unmanned aerial systems, which is why the Drone Safety Act is necessary. This forward-thinking legislation protects the safety of the flying public while taking the onus off of novice drone hobbyists to learn, understand and follow complex airspace rules. At the same time, the Feinstein Bill helps establish clear rules for hobbyist drone manufacturers to help ensure their products don't end up risking collision with a commercial airliner or other aircraft.

The professional pilots of SWAPA are committed to helping Senator Feinstein get the Drone Safety Act signed into law."

Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profit employee organization representing the more than 8,000 pilots of Southwest Airlines. SWAPA works to provide a secure and rewarding career for Southwest pilots and their families through negotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promoting professionalism and safety. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association, visit www.swapa.org.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association

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http://www.swapa.org