FAA Imposes Over $340,000 in Fines for Drone Regulation Violations

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced proposed civil penalties totaling $341,413 against 27 individuals for various violations of federal drone regulations. These fines, issued from October 2022 through June 2024, underscore the FAA’s commitment to enforcing safety measures in drone operations.

The infractions, which carry penalties up to $75,000 per incident following adjustments in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, range from operating unregistered drones to interfering with manned aircraft operations. Such violations can also lead to suspension or revocation of a drone operator’s pilot certificates.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the gravity of these violations, 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.” He further encouraged the public to report unsafe and unauthorized drone operations to their local Flight Standards District Office for investigation.

Among the highlighted cases, a $32,700 fine was proposed against an individual in Wesley Chapel, Florida, who operated an improperly registered and unlit drone too close to a law enforcement helicopter during a burglary suspect search, nearly causing a mid-air collision. Another significant fine of $18,200 was levied against a drone operator who flew during the Miami Grand Prix despite a temporary flight restriction, showcasing a disregard for multiple FAA regulations.

In California, two drone operators faced fines of $16,000 and $4,000 respectively for unauthorized flights near SoFi Stadium during Super Bowl LVI, a time when the airspace was designated as national defense airspace. Additionally, a $7,760 penalty was proposed against a drone operator who flew over a crowd at an NFL game in Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, without a Remote Pilot Certificate or necessary FAA airspace waiver.

Another notable case involved a $5,000 fine against a drone operator in Little Rock, Arkansas, whose drone fell to the ground after interfering with a helicopter, creating a collision hazard.

These enforcement actions highlight the FAA’s rigorous approach to regulating drone use, ensuring that operators adhere to safety protocols to protect both people and property in the airspace. The FAA continues to urge drone operators to educate themselves on and comply with all applicable regulations to avoid penalties and contribute to the safety of the increasingly crowded skies.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, suasnews.com