Drone Operator Violations Draw Big FAA Fines

The FAA has issued a total of $341,413 in fines to 27 people who violated regulations governing drone operations. Notifications of the fines were sent between October 2022 and June 2024.

The hazards of flying drones unsafely or in an unauthorized manner have been identified and specified in detail in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) Part 107. Knowledge of the Part 107 regs is required and are included in the test for the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. People who choose to ignore the regulations around flying drones are now subject to fines of up to $75,000. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 included this provision and represents an increase in the fine amount. The FAA may also suspend or revoke drone operators’ pilot certificates depending on the severity of the violation and specific circumstances of the incident.

The fines issued range from $5,000 to $32,700. The smallest fine was against a person who created a collision hazard while flying a drone in proximity to a helicopter near Little Rock, Arkansas. The drone crashed due to rotor wash from the helo, and the operator did not have a Part 107 certificate.

The highest amount was issued against a person who interfered with a law enforcement helicopter by flying an unlit and improperly registered drone in Wesley Chapel, Florida. The helo pilot had to suspend the search to avoid a collision with the drone that had insufficient lighting and was flying above 400 feet. That person also did not have a Part 107 certificate.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker commented, “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.”

The FAA encourages people to report unauthorized or unsafe drone operations to their local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

All reports are reviewed and investigated when warranted.