Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Distraction; Confusion; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors; Procedure
On downwind to LAX for 24R at approximately 5;500 - 5;700 feet MSL; we spotted a drone at our altitude in very close proximity to our aircraft. I would estimate the drone was about 100 feet from our aircraft; and to my left. The drone was small and black with either white/silver/grey markings on it to be more visible. The drone appeared to be opposite direction to us; so it was going west; while we were going east. We were on an assigned heading of 065 degrees out of SMO VOR. We were also descending at the time. The FO was the PF and the autopilot was on. The event occurred around the JAVSI waypoint; but before the downtown area. Due to radio congestion; I was not able to report the event to ATC until we were over the downtown area and about 4;500 MSL. The drone was below our field of vision until it was basically passing us; so collision avoidance had it been on track to hit us; would have been difficult at best. The object also passed us at a high rate of speed. We were speed assigned 230 knots IAS at the time of the event. ATC did an excellent job notifying other aircraft in the area. Visibility was somewhat reduced due to haze and some scattered clouds at our altitude; but as mentioned; spotting this small of an object until it is in close proximity is difficult. There was no disruption of the flight and we landed safely.I realize this is an ongoing issue and I hope it gets resolved soon. When I saw the object; I thought I was crazy for thinking I saw one of these above 5;000 feet. I actually did some research online after this; and I've read about people seeing these as high as 7;000 feet. A system that works with our TCAS would be amazing to have in the future. I'm not sure if the technology is quite there yet. Maybe with the upcoming ADS-B rules; this could be on the table?
Air carrier Captain on downwind vectors for LAX Runway 24R near JAVSI reported a UAV near miss at approximately 5;500 - 5;700 feet.