TSA will test drone-tracking tech at LAX after dozens of sightings, some near-misses

Following dozens of drone sightings -- and a handful of reports of a "guy in a jetpack" -- near Los Angeles International Airport, the Transportation Security Administration will test new technology to spot, track and identify drones in restricted airspace. The federally funded program would make LAX only the second airport using the "state-of-the-art technology," which is also being tested at Miami International Airport, with plans to expand across the country, according to the TSA's announcement Thursday. There have been 38 drone sightings this year at LAX, including one within 700 feet of an aircraft, according to the TSA. Since last year, there have been 90 visual sightings and 5,200 technical detections of drones within three miles of LAX. "While there are many beneficial uses for drones in our society, it is becoming far too common that drones are sighted near airports, which presents significant security risks and unnecessary disruptions to the traveling public," Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey) said in a statement.