Irresponsible drone pilots beware! The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US is cracking down on violators, proposing civil penalties totaling a hefty $341,413 against 27 individuals who have violated federal drone regulations.
This strong stance by the FAA comes in the wake of the Reauthorization Act of 2024, which increased the maximum fine for violations to $75,000 per incident and gives the FAA the power to suspend or revoke pilot certificates of drone operators.
FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the importance of following drone regulations, stating, “Violating the drone regulations puts lives at risk in the air and on the ground. Flying a small drone means you are flying an aircraft, and unsafe behavior will cost you.”
Between October 2022 and June 2024, the FAA issued fines that serve as a stark warning to those who flout safety rules, jeopardizing air and ground traffic.
One particularly egregious case involved a $32,700 fine for a pilot who interfered with a law enforcement operation in Florida, risking a mid-air collision with a sheriff’s helicopter due to improper drone registration and operation. Another pilot received an $18,200 fine for flying an unregistered drone during the Miami Grand Prix Formula 1 event.
Notable cases also included fines for operating drones near the Super Bowl LVI, a NFL game in Cincinnati, and creating a collision hazard with a helicopter in Arkansas.
These enforcement actions highlight the need for proper training, certification, and compliance with safety protocols when operating drones. The FAA encourages reporting unsafe drone operations and provides resources to help pilots operate within regulations.
To promote responsible drone use, the FAA offers tools like the B4UFLY app for iOS and Android to help pilots check where they can fly their drones safely.
(Photo by Ian Baldwin)
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