Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Airspace Structure; Environment - Non Weather Related
On final approach; approximately 4 miles from touchdown at approximately 1200 ft AGL; I spotted what initially appeared to be a large bird directly in front of the aircraft; below the glide path.  I was the pilot monitoring for this flight.  As we closed; I realized that it was actually a medium-sized drone; likely the 'quad-copter' type by its shape; and bright orange (likely why I initially spotted it.  It was almost exactly on the extended runway centerline; and appeared to be moving on a reciprocal heading to the runway (right towards us; but remaining below our path; neither climbing nor descending).  We passed above it; I would estimate by about 150 feet; and continued to a normal landing.  The First Officer was busy flying; head down watching the flight instruments as required; and did not see the drone.  As I knew we had traffic behind us; I notified ATC (Tower) of the drone so they could warn the other traffic.  Landing and taxi-in were normal.  I notified the appropriate authorities (including this report).  I was prepared; once I realized what it was; to take control and take evasive action; but none was necessary.  Also; from the first spotting of the 'perceived' bird; to passing overhead the drone; was between 3 and 5 seconds.Someone with more money than brains (to afford the drone) stupidly flying it in an absurdly unsafe area and manner. Find the people that do this; and very publicly prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
Air carrier Captain reported flying over an opposite direction UAV while on final approach.