B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 154
Confusion; Distraction
Conflict NMAC; Inflight Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Airspace Structure
On approach to SJC the Captain pointed out a drone that was in very close proximity to the aircraft. As I glanced out the right window I could see the drone maneuvering as the sun reflected off of its surface in rapid motion.This is a systemic problem in the National Airspace System with potentially tragic results should an individual; or group; choose to use a drone as a weapon against an aircraft. I can only speculate but it would not seem to take too much effort by a motivated party to intentionally impact an aircraft during the landing or takeoff phase of a flight. Based on my limited knowledge of the guidance of said drones; I can only speculate as what sort of technology could thwart this threat outside of some type of frequency band jamming.
We were talking with NorCal approaching the KLIDE intersection. The aircraft in front of was on approach and had reported that he had a near miss with a drone. We were on the final approach for Runway 30L when I looked to the right side of the aircraft and saw the drone about 30 to 50 yards. I reported it to the Tower after we landed we had him call NorCal so that he would know that the drone was still in that area.
B737 flight crew reported sighting a drone in close proximity to their aircraft while on approach to SJC near KLIDE.