Officials investigating drone incidents at Eastern Iowa Airport, local drone operator recommends preparation to stay safe

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Federal aviation officials are investigating two drone incidents at the Eastern Iowa Airport that might be tied to nearby data center construction.

Pilots reported a drone in their landing path Wednesday morning around 10:45 - saying they saw “unauthorized drone activity 1,000 feet off the approach end” to air traffic control.

Those reports led airport investigators to the QTS data center construction site and two drone operators working for contractors there.

The Federal Aviation Administration calls operating drones near airports “dangerous and illegal.”

Although the two planes landed safely, a Waterloo-based drone pilot said flying safely comes down to basic preparation.

Licensed drone pilot Kyle Fuller does real estate and advertising work through his company Firefly Drone Services. He has been flying drones for nearly 10 years.

Fuller said drone training classes and licensing focuses on learning about air maps and restricted areas, such as airports.

The DJI drones he uses include GPS and geofencing. He explained that in the past, they would not take off around restricted places.

“Recently, I’d say within the last couple of years, DJI put the responsibility on the pilots,” he said. “You’ll still get warnings as to when you’re near restricted areas, an alert will pop up on the screen of your controller, but you’re still able to fly.”

Fuller said before he starts operating his drones, he checks the weather, equipment and the area.

“You have to check your air maps and make sure that where you’re flying is safe to fly and legal to fly,” he said, pointing out that people can apply for waivers to operate in or near restricted areas.

He recommended the FAA DroneZone website and air map apps to stay prepared - and expressed hope that people will be more attentive.

“It’s disheartening when you hear stories like [the incidents] because I’d say 99% of the drone pilots out there are trying to follow the rules,” said Fuller.

The Eastern Iowa Airport says the Federal Aviation Administration’s investigation is ongoing.