B737-700
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 203
Distraction
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Human Factors
At 800 feet over Boston Harbor while on a visual approach to Runway 04R at BOS; what at first glance seemed to be a large white bird caught my attention at our 3-3:30 position; some 200 feet-400 feet below our altitude; and an estimated 100-200 yards to our right. I'm sure I wouldn't have noticed the 'bird' over land; but it stood out against the deep blue-green of the harbor. And its wings weren't flapping. Oops. I then quickly recognized the familiar shape of a toy; it was a DJI Phantom drone. Because it was well beneath us; no avoidance maneuvering was necessary; but I called out its position to the Captain Pilot Flying (PF) and then to BOS Tower; who quickly relayed the alert to traffic following us on the approach; and who; after we landed; asked me to phone the Tower Supervisor with details; which I did. Although no maneuvering was necessary; the sighting and relaying of the drone's location clearly distracted from my other duties during one of the most critical phases of flight. I've spoken with several other Pilots who know friends and neighbors with drones; or who have purchased one for themselves or their children. I would hope they all realize that the very dense and heavy nature of the batteries on these machines are going to cause far greater damage than a bird of equivalent weight; when one finally; and it seems inevitably; impacts a windscreen; jet engine; or flap assembly. It's going to be ugly; and we really need to spread the word. So I would urge anyone reading this who operate drones; to ask them to visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org and make sure they fully understand where and when drones are appropriate. Because of its altitude; I wouldn't be surprised if the one we saw had been launched in complete innocence off a boat in the harbor; simply to take photos or videos of the boat's owners.It may to be one of the most harmless drone/aircraft encounters on record; yet it was still; if for no other reason than the distraction; a hazard to air navigation.
B737 First Officer reports a drone at 800 feet AGL during approach to Runway 4R at BOS. The drone was 200 to 400 feet below and to the right of the B737 and no evasive action was necessary.