FAA Cracks Down on Drone Regulation Violators
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing fines totaling $341,413 against 27 people who broke drone rules from October 2022 to June 2024.
Stiffer Penalties for Breaking the Rules
Thanks to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, the FAA can now slap violators with fines up to $75,000 per incident. They can also suspend or revoke pilot licenses.
“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.”
The FAA stresses the importance of following guidelines to keep everyone safe. They urge people to report any risky drone activities to their local Flight Standards District Office for review and possible investigation.
Sometimes, rules are there to protect us even when we can’t see the danger.
Significant Violations and Fines
The FAA hasn’t named those penalized but shared some notable cases:
- Wesley Chapel, Florida: A $32,700 fine for interfering with a police helicopter during a search, flying without registration, at night, over 400 feet high, and without a certificate.
- Miami Grand Prix: An $18,200 fine for flying an unregistered drone in restricted airspace during the event, without authorization or maintaining visual line of sight.
- SoFi Stadium, California: Two fines ($16,000 and $4,000) for unauthorized flights during Super Bowl LVI, in national defense airspace, without certificates.
- Paul Brown Stadium, Ohio: A $7,760 fine for flying over a crowd at an NFL game, at night, beyond visual line of sight, and without a certificate.
- Little Rock, Arkansas: A $5,000 fine for creating a hazard near a helicopter, leading to a crash due to rotor wash, and flying without a certificate.
Teaming Up with Law Enforcement
The FAA is part of a larger effort to ensure drone safety by working with law enforcement through its Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP). This collaboration helps prosecute those breaking drone laws to keep national airspace secure.
The agency continues to offer resources and education to help drone users fly safely. With more drones in the sky, the FAA remains dedicated to enforcing rules that safeguard both the air and ground.
