Rogue Drone Investigated by the FAA

The video is uncomfortable watch as the drone comes obviously far too close to a passenger plane gearing up to land at the airport. There’s no other intention at work in the video, other than to catch a dramatic action shot of a plane – why else would someone operate under a busy air path? Furthermore, this is the only visible attempt, begging the question of whether there were unsuccessful attempts that never made it online. The possibility of other planes being put at risk just for a video is frightening.

A person flying a drone unsafely could face fines of $1,437 in Nevada, but federal charges run substantially higher, up to $250,000. A federal punishment can even mean up to three years in prison in addition or instead of the monetary fine.

This latest incident comes after LAANC (Low Altitude Authorisation and Notification Capability) begins to roll out across the country, making authorisations easier for drone operators, partly in an attempt to safely integrate airspace that needs to be shard by manned and unmanned vehicles alike. Drones often face PR backlash after incidents like this, so it is to be to hoped that the FAA can hold the operator accountable, and to push for further education and engagement over lawful drone use, part of what LAANC will aim to achieve.