In a big enforcement motion, a Philadelphia drone operator has been completely banned from flying drones within the United States following alleged violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laws. The case, United States of America v. Michael DiCiurcio (Case No. 24-0612), highlights more and more stringent enforcement of drone security laws by federal authorities.
The US District Court docket for the Japanese District of Pennsylvania has entered a consent judgment in opposition to Michael DiCiurcio, who admitted to a number of violations of FAA laws throughout drone flights in Philadelphia’s downtown space. The consent judgment, agreed to earlier than Justice of the Peace Choose Jose Arteaga on January 23, 2025, and signed by Chief Choose Mitchell S. Goldberg on January 29, 2025, follows a collection of alleged unsafe operations.
Drone Pilot DiCiurcio’s Alleged Violations
In accordance with the US’ grievance, DiCiurcio’s alleged violations occurred between December 2019 to the current, together with:
- Evening flights in shut proximity to distinguished Philadelphia landmarks together with the William Penn Statue, PSFS Constructing, and Liberty One Constructing
- Operations in managed airspace close to Philadelphia Worldwide Airport
- Flights over individuals and automobiles
- A near-collision with a church steeple
- No less than one incident the place DiCiurcio misplaced management of the drone, inflicting it to fly uncontrolled over Philadelphia
The development of enforcement actions is especially noteworthy on this case. Regardless of receiving written warnings, counseling, and Training from the FAA relating to protected operations necessities, DiCiurcio allegedly continued to function drones illegally and in a fashion deemed careless or reckless. This led to a preliminary injunction in February 2024, which DiCiurcio was later present in contempt of, leading to a court-ordered give up of his drone gear on Might 23, 2024.
Underneath the phrases of the consent judgment, DiCiurcio has:
- Admitted that each one allegations of his conduct within the Verified Grievance are true and correct
- Acknowledged violations of FAA laws and security steerage
- Accepted administrative findings which may be thought-about aggravating components in any future enforcement proceedings
- Agreed to by no means function any kind of drone inside the US
- Dedicated to by no means search any kind of drone certification or license
- Agreed to take down the “Philly Drone Life” YouTube channel and never resurrect its content material
- Deserted all drone gear beforehand surrendered to the FAA
Deputy FAA Administrator Katie Thomson emphasised the company’s strategy to enforcement:
“We work laborious to teach individuals about safely flying their drones, and we don’t hesitate to take sturdy enforcement motion when pilots intentionally flout the foundations.”
U.S. Legal professional Jacqueline C. Romero underscored the intense nature of drone security violations:
“Failing to stick to the protection necessities for flying small unmanned plane techniques endangers individuals and property. Our Workplace is dedicated to making sure whole compliance with the FAA laws and we are going to vigorously implement violations wherever we discover them.”
The case, investigated by the FAA’s Flight Requirements Division and the U.S. Division of Transportation Workplace of Inspector Basic, is being dealt with by Assistant U.S. Legal professional Viveca D. Parker. This enforcement motion comes at a time when the FAA is working to combine an rising variety of drones into the nationwide airspace whereas sustaining security requirements.
Business observers word that this case may set a precedent for future enforcement actions in opposition to repeat offenders of drone laws, significantly in city areas the place the dangers to public security are heightened. The lifetime ban represents a brand new stage of enforcement that would change into extra widespread in circumstances of repeated, willful violations.
As drone utilization continues to broaden throughout leisure and industrial sectors, this case serves as a reminder of the FAA’s dedication to implementing security laws by coordinated efforts with different federal companies.
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