Quadcopters, like DJI drones, have gained popularity in recent years. While most users operate them responsibly, there are always some who disregard safety regulations.
To enforce safety in the skies, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed civil penalties against 27 drone operators totaling $341,413 between October 2022 and June 2024, as reported by DroneDJ.
In a concerning incident in Florida, a drone pilot received a $32,700 penalty for flying dangerously close to a helicopter. The pilot had not registered the device properly and violated altitude restrictions, among other rules.
Violating regulations by flying drones over sports stadiums during events is a common problem. One pilot was fined $16,000 for flying near SoFi Stadium during Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.
The FAA prohibits drone flights near airports, military bases, and critical infrastructure. Specific measures are imposed during events with large crowds, such as major sports games.
FAA administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized the importance of following rules to prevent risks to lives in the air and on the ground. “Flying a drone is flying an aircraft, and unsafe behavior will have consequences,” he said.
For drone pilots unsure of where to fly, the FAA’s B4UFLY app for iOS and Android provides guidance.
