Drone

US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has imposed the highest level of civil penalty totally a $1.9m fine against Chicago-based commercial drone operator SkyPan International for jeopardising airspace safety.

FAA said that SkyPan conducted 65 unauthorised commercial unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) flights over various highly populated locations in New York and Chicago between March 2012 and Dec 2014.

Of the 65 flights, 43 were flown in the highly restricted New York Class B airspace, and without receiving air traffic control clearance.

SkyPan also conducted aerial photography during the flights.

FAA further said that the aircraft used was not equipped with a two-way radio, transponder, or altitude-reporting equipment.

These operations are alleged to be in violation of airspace regulations and various operating rules, as well as being illegal and risky.

"We have the safest airspace in the world, and everyone who uses it must understand and observe our comprehensive set of rules and regulations."

FAA administrator Michael Huerta said: "Flying unmanned aircraft in violation of the Federal Aviation Regulations is illegal and can be dangerous.

"We have the safest airspace in the world, and everyone who uses it must understand and observe our comprehensive set of rules and regulations."

According to FAA, all the 65 flights operated by SkyPan were undertaken without an airworthiness certificate and effective registration.

The firm did not obtain a waiver or authorisation for the events, and the agency said that SkyPan had operated the aircraft in a careless or reckless manner, posing a threat to lives or property.

SkyPan has 27 years of experience in aerial photography and videography, and started flying drones commercially before receiving an FAA Section 333 exemption.

FAA issued an enforcement letter to SkyPan giving 30 days to respond.

Image: A drone aircraft in the clouds. Photo: courtsey of FreeDigitalPhotos.net.