Regional Jet 200 ER/LR (CRJ200)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Conflict NMAC
Flight Crew Became Reoriented
Human Factors
While on a left downwind for 36L in CLT at an altitude of 5000 feet the First Officer (FO) (and pilot flying) first spotted a small drone. It passed from 2 o'clock to 8 o'clock in direction relative to our flight and what appeared to be between 5-10 [feet] above our aircraft. The whole event lasted about 1-2 seconds.  It was very brief due to our speed of 190 kts and its slow speed.  I again got eyes on it for about 1 second.  I estimate its wing span to be 2-3 feet and of the hobby or home built type.  The FO stated he thinks the color was silver or blue.  I viewed it too quick to notice.  The drone passed so fast that no action could be taken.  We notified ATC and they did a good job of making call outs to other traffic in the area. See and avoid.  Don't hit them.  Don't allow them in busy Class B airspace.
CRJ200 Captain reports sighting a UAV (model aircraft) at 5;000 feet while on left downwind for Runway 36L at CLT.