“A small plane flies near Manassas Regional Airport in Manassas, Va., on May 26, 2015.
The plane is among a fleet of surveillance aircraft by the FBI, which are primarily used to target suspects under federal investigation. Such planes are capable of taking video of the ground, and some _ in rare occasions _ can sweep up certain identifying cellphone data.” Photo credit: Andrew Harnik, AP

– “FBI behind mysterious surveillance aircraft over US cities”
“The FBI is operating a small air force with scores of low-flying planes across the country carrying video and, at times, cellphone surveillance technology – all hidden behind fictitious companies that are fronts for the government, The Associated Press has learned.

The planes’ surveillance equipment is generally used without a judge’s approval, and the FBI said the flights are used for specific, ongoing investigations. In a recent 30-day period, the agency flew above more than 30 cities in 11 states across the country, an AP review found,” quoting the AP’s Jack Gillum, Eileen Sullivan and Eric Tucker.
Read more