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Airline pilots landing at LAX report “a guy in jetpack” flying alongside them (thedrive.com)

900 points by x43b · 2220 days ago · 473 comments on HN

Article summary

Airline pilots landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) reported seeing a person in a jetpack flying alongside them at an altitude of 3,000 feet. The incident was reported by multiple pilots, including those from American Airlines and Skywest. The airspace around LAX is some of the busiest and most complex in the United States, making the presence of a jetpack in the area a significant safety concern. An investigation into the incident is likely to be conducted by the FAA.

Main themes

  • jetpack sighting
  • LAX airspace
  • drone regulation
  • air traffic safety
  • unidentified flying objects
  • new technology

What commenters say

  • The sighting of a person in a jetpack near LAX is likely a hoax or a misidentification of a drone or other aircraft.
  • The incident highlights the potential dangers of unregulated drone or jetpack use in busy airspace.
  • The ability to identify and track unidentified flying objects is limited by the complexity of modern airspace and the limitations of human perception.
  • The incident may be related to the development of new jetpack technology, which could potentially be used for recreational or commercial purposes.
  • Some commenters believe that the incident is an example of the strange and unusual events that have occurred in 2020, while others argue that it is an isolated incident with no broader significance.
  • The use of modern information infrastructure, such as social media and cell phones, can amplify the awareness and perceived significance of unusual events like this one.
  • The incident may have implications for the regulation of drone and jetpack use in the US, particularly in busy airspace like LAX.
  • The sighting of a person in a jetpack may be a publicity stunt or a demonstration of new technology, rather than a genuine safety concern.