Narrative:

On final approach; approximately 4 miles from touchdown at approximately 1200 ft AGL; I spotted what initially appeared to be a large bird directly in front of the aircraft; below the glide path. I was the pilot monitoring for this flight. As we closed; I realized that it was actually a medium-sized drone; likely the 'quad-copter' type by its shape; and bright orange (likely why I initially spotted it. It was almost exactly on the extended runway centerline; and appeared to be moving on a reciprocal heading to the runway (right towards us; but remaining below our path; neither climbing nor descending). We passed above it; I would estimate by about 150 feet; and continued to a normal landing. The first officer was busy flying; head down watching the flight instruments as required; and did not see the drone. As I knew we had traffic behind us; I notified ATC (tower) of the drone so they could warn the other traffic. Landing and taxi-in were normal. I notified the appropriate authorities (including this report). I was prepared; once I realized what it was; to take control and take evasive action; but none was necessary. Also; from the first spotting of the 'perceived' bird; to passing overhead the drone; was between 3 and 5 seconds.someone with more money than brains (to afford the drone) stupidly flying it in an absurdly unsafe area and manner. Find the people that do this; and very publicly prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier Captain reported flying over an opposite direction UAV while on final approach.

Narrative: On final approach; approximately 4 miles from touchdown at approximately 1200 ft AGL; I spotted what initially appeared to be a large bird directly in front of the aircraft; below the glide path. I was the pilot monitoring for this flight. As we closed; I realized that it was actually a medium-sized drone; likely the 'quad-copter' type by its shape; and bright orange (likely why I initially spotted it. It was almost exactly on the extended runway centerline; and appeared to be moving on a reciprocal heading to the runway (right towards us; but remaining below our path; neither climbing nor descending). We passed above it; I would estimate by about 150 feet; and continued to a normal landing. The First Officer was busy flying; head down watching the flight instruments as required; and did not see the drone. As I knew we had traffic behind us; I notified ATC (Tower) of the drone so they could warn the other traffic. Landing and taxi-in were normal. I notified the appropriate authorities (including this report). I was prepared; once I realized what it was; to take control and take evasive action; but none was necessary. Also; from the first spotting of the 'perceived' bird; to passing overhead the drone; was between 3 and 5 seconds.Someone with more money than brains (to afford the drone) stupidly flying it in an absurdly unsafe area and manner. Find the people that do this; and very publicly prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.