Small Aircraft
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 12000; Flight Crew Type 2000
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Unauthorized Flight Operations (UAS)
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
I was practicing landings in the pattern at Spruce Creek with the winds favoring Runway 24.I was on left base leg descending through 600 ft. when; in my peripheral vision; I thought I saw a large bird directly off my left side. I shifted my focus toward it and realized that it was a drone with 4 rotors just about at my altitude close off my left wing.I resumed my pattern and landed. I then cautioned anyone on the frequency about the drone.What really concerned me is what happened next. I tried to report this to the Orlando FSDO. I made three phone calls and they could have cared less. I got a call back the next week and they said an inspector would call and get a statement. Nobody ever bothered. It has been over a month and they never followed up. Is there some sort of registry for airplane and drone near misses? How can the FAA know if these near misses are happening if they won't record them? The FAA should be gathering data on this. Hopefully; NASA ASRS will.
Reporter stated the main concern is that the Orlando FSDO never replied after 3 calls. Reporter also stated not being aware of any other UAV incidents at that airport.
Pilot of single engine aircraft was on base leg of approach and had a near miss with a multi rotor drone. Reporter was upset they never heard back from the local FSDO.