Website Makes FOIA Request For The Information

Of the hundreds of thousands of UAVs currently flying in the U.S., the FAA has imposed fines against 24 operators ranging from $400 to $1.9 million.

While that latter number is certainly an outlier, the fines have ranged up to $5,500, according to information released by the FAA to the website Motherboard in response to a Freedom of Information Act request.

The 24 individuals and companies represent the entirety of the FAA's drone enforcement efforts to date, according to the website, which points out that nearly all of the fines have been imposed on the east coast, and that the specific wording of regulations cited by the FAA in imposing the fines is inconsistent.

While some of the fines have been for operating drones over stadiums, or after having crashed an aircraft into a public building or operating in the FAA's "No Drone Zone" in Washington D.C., others have been for flights that have not resulted in any incident or damage to property. Nearly all have come from the FAA's eastern region office.

Analysis of the fines seems to indicate that if you are fined for flying a should immediately appeal the fine, as there is a good chance it could be lowered.

(Image from file)

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