Fri, Jan 22, 2016
Two Men Accused Of Flying A UAV Near A Hospital
The office of Los Angeles (CA) City Attorney Mike Feuer has filed two criminal cases against drone operators, the first under the City’s new ordinance restricting drone operation.
“Operating a drone near trafficked airspace places pilots and the public at serious risk,” said Feuer. “We'll continue to use our new City law to hold drone operators accountable and keep our residents safe.”
Michael Ponce, 20, and Arvel Chappell, 35, were each charged with two criminal counts stemming from two separate incidents including allegedly operating a drone within five miles of an airport without permission and allegedly operating the device in excess of 400 feet above ground level. Chappell was also charged with one additional count of operating a drone at a time other than during daylight. If convicted, Ponce and Chappell could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Arraignment for both defendants is scheduled for February 22, 2016 in Department 48.
On December 9, 2015, Ponce was allegedly observed by an LAPD airship operating a drone in excess of 400 feet over Griffith Park and within three miles of a number of hospital heliports. The drone was seized and Ponce was cited.
On December 12, 2015, Chappell was cited by police for allegedly operating a drone in excess of 400 feet and within one-quarter mile of Hooper Heliport, the LAPD Air Support Division’s base at Piper Tech in downtown Los Angeles. An air unit coming in to land allegedly had to alter its path in order to avoid the device. Ground units were notified and the device was seized.
In October, 2015, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved the new ordinance restricting the operation of drone devices. The City Attorney’s office has previously prosecuted drone operators under existing laws including trespassing for flying over certain areas and obstructing police activity.
"While people may think that flying a drone is a minor or victimless crime, the results could be devastating," said Councilmember Mitchell Englander, Chair of the Public Safety Committee. "We saw firsthand what happened during a major brush fire where drones grounded firefighting helicopters. A single drone can take down a helicopter or an airplane. If drones fly, first responders can't."
(Image provided with Los Angeles City Attorney news release)
More News
“This recognition was evident during the TBMOPA Annual Convention, where owners and operators clearly expressed their satisfaction with our focus on customer service, and enc>[...]
Overhead Maneuver A series of predetermined maneuvers prescribed for aircraft (often in formation) for entry into the visual flight rules (VFR) traffic pattern and to proceed to a >[...]
Aero Linx: Glenn H. Curtiss Museum The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, bearing the name of Hammondsport’s favorite son, is located on State Route 54, one half mile south of the vill>[...]
The Flight Instructor Noticed Some Engine Roughness And Diverted Toward Westwinds Airport On November 2, 2025, about 1630 mountain standard time, an experimental amateur-built Just>[...]
From 2014 (YouTube Edition) -- Disclaimer: No Matter What He Tells You, Tom Is Not A Certified Firefighting Pilot While at EAA AirVenture 2014, ANN News Editor, Tom Patton checked >[...]
Aero-News: Quote of the Day (11.20.25)
See All