In a sweeping enforcement action, the Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a total of $341,413 in civil penalties against 27 drone operators for violations of federal regulations between October 2022 and June 2024. This move underscores the agency's intensified efforts to ensure the safe integration of drones into U.S. airspace, particularly as the technology becomes more prevalent in both commercial and recreational contexts.
The fines, which range up to $75,000 per violation, are part of a broader crackdown facilitated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This legislation not only increased the financial penalties for drone-related infractions but also expanded the FAA's authority to suspend or revoke the pilot certificates of operators who engage in unsafe practices.
"Violating the drone regulations puts lives at risk in the air and on the ground," said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker. "Flying a small drone means you are flying an aircraft, and unsafe behavior will cost you."
Among the most severe penalties is a $32,700 fine against a drone operator in Wesley Chapel, Florida, who interfered with a law enforcement operation in September 2021. The individual flew an improperly registered and unlit drone dangerously close to a Pasco County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, forcing the pilot to abandon a search for a burglary suspect to avoid a potential collision. This operator was cited for multiple violations, including flying at night without anti-collision lighting and exceeding the 400-foot altitude limit without the required Remote Pilot Certificate.
Another notable case involved an $18,200 penalty for a drone operator who flagrantly disregarded a temporary flight restriction (TFR) during the Miami Grand Prix in May 2022. The operator flew an unregistered drone in Class D airspace without prior authorization, failed to maintain visual line of sight, and lacked the necessary Remote Pilot Certificate—all while a high-profile Formula 1 event was underway.
The FAA's actions also extended to the Super Bowl, with two individuals fined $16,000 and $4,000 respectively for operating drones near SoFi Stadium in California during Super Bowl LVI. The airspace was designated as national defense airspace with a TFR in place, yet these operators flew their drones in Class B airspace without authorization and without the required certification.
In another incident, a drone operator in Cincinnati was fined $7,760 for flying an unregistered drone over a crowd during an NFL game at Paul Brown Stadium in January 2022. The operator not only violated a TFR but also used a first-person view (FPV) system to fly beyond visual line of sight at night, further compounding the safety risks.
A final case involved a $5,000 fine for a drone operator in Little Rock, Arkansas, who flew too close to a helicopter, creating a collision hazard. The drone ultimately crashed after encountering rotor wash from the helicopter. This operator also did not possess a Remote Pilot Certificate.
The FAA's enforcement actions highlight the serious consequences of ignoring federal drone regulations. As drones become more ubiquitous in various sectors—from media and entertainment to construction and public safety—the agency is stepping up its efforts to educate operators about the rules and crack down on unsafe practices.
The FAA encourages the public to report unsafe or unauthorized drone operations to their local Flight Standards District Office. All reports are reviewed and investigated as appropriate, with the agency committed to maintaining the safety of both manned and unmanned aircraft in the national airspace.
As drones continue to proliferate, these enforcement actions serve as a stark reminder that operating a drone comes with significant responsibilities. The FAA's message is clear: the rules are in place for a reason, and violations will not be taken lightly.
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