This might get their attention at DVinfo.net

Jim Michael · October 7th, 2015, 08:12 AM

From AVWeb:

The FAA on Tuesday announced its largest-ever civil penalty against a drone operator, proposing a fine of $1.9 million against SkyPan International, based in Chicago, for "careless or reckless" operations.

Drone Operator Fined $1.9 Million - AVweb flash Article

Andy Wilkinson · October 7th, 2015, 08:43 AM

This is the BBC News take on the story - might not be viewable outside the UK though.

Drone firm under threat of $2m fine for 'illegal flying' - BBC News

Robert Benda · October 7th, 2015, 08:58 AM

For those who can't or won't read the article...

Pretty much all of New York city is Class B airspace (restricted, and within 5 miles of an airport). These guys flew 43 flights in that space without ever notifying a flight tower, and, of course, no aircraft lights, transponder, or communications/radio

I saw a lot of people on a message board defend the drone company, forgetting that NYC is some seriously trafficked airspace. Lots of helicopters and small planes in addition to the airliners.

F these guys for not doing things the safe way.

Jim Michael · October 7th, 2015, 09:17 AM

And for those who don't know the details about those airspace classifications, class B is the airspace around those super-busy airports like Kennedy, Atlanta, etc.You aren't permitted to enter that airspace without explicit clearance from the controlling authority.

Mark Williams · October 7th, 2015, 10:01 AM

Based on what I have read and if it is true then these folks deserve it.

David Heath · October 8th, 2015, 02:09 PM

Might be a technical answer - UK firms develop drone-freezing ray - BBC News

The "drone problem" was brought home to me personally whilst on holiday very recently. We were in a big market square listening to the guide when a drone appeared at the far end and flew towards us. At first I just watched it out of interest, then saw it approach the mediaeval clock tower (about 100 ft away), and was just thinking "that's a bit close" when it veered and smashed into it. It then seemed to move rapidly away sideways, then back to impact hard again, then fell fast and vertically about 60-80 feet to the ground.

There was a lady standing about 6-8 feet from where it fell, and I can only say that she was very, very lucky. We walked past a couple of minutes later and judging by the size, if it had hit her directly it would probably have been fatal.

I've read a number of drone accident stories in the last year or so, but when you witness something (fortunately a near miss) personally it really brings it home just what an accident waiting to happen the whole subject is. No doubt the operator thought he may have got good video footage - but to operate a drone over a square full of tourists is simply irresponsible. He can think himself very lucky he's not now facing a manslaughter charge.

October 7th, 2015, 08:12 AM	#1
Jim Michael Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 895	This might get their attention From AVWeb: The FAA on Tuesday announced its largest-ever civil penalty against a drone operator, proposing a fine of $1.9 million against SkyPan International, based in Chicago, for "careless or reckless" operations. Drone Operator Fined $1.9 Million - AVweb flash Article

October 7th, 2015, 08:43 AM	#2
Andy Wilkinson Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Cambridge UK Posts: 2,853	Re: This might get their attention This is the BBC News take on the story - might not be viewable outside the UK though. Drone firm under threat of $2m fine for 'illegal flying' - BBC News __________________ Andy K Wilkinson - https://www.shootingimage.co.uk Cambridge (UK) Corporate Video Production

October 7th, 2015, 08:58 AM	#3
Robert Benda Trustee Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Crookston, MN Posts: 1,353	Re: This might get their attention For those who can't or won't read the article... Pretty much all of New York city is Class B airspace (restricted, and within 5 miles of an airport). These guys flew 43 flights in that space without ever notifying a flight tower, and, of course, no aircraft lights, transponder, or communications/radio I saw a lot of people on a message board defend the drone company, forgetting that NYC is some seriously trafficked airspace. Lots of helicopters and small planes in addition to the airliners. F these guys for not doing things the safe way.

October 7th, 2015, 09:17 AM	#4
Jim Michael Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 895	Re: This might get their attention And for those who don't know the details about those airspace classifications, class B is the airspace around those super-busy airports like Kennedy, Atlanta, etc.You aren't permitted to enter that airspace without explicit clearance from the controlling authority.

October 7th, 2015, 10:01 AM	#5
Mark Williams Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Deep South, U.S. Posts: 1,526	Re: This might get their attention Based on what I have read and if it is true then these folks deserve it. __________________ Mark videos: http://vimeo.com/channels/3523 Stock: http://www.pond5.com/artist/mark29

October 8th, 2015, 02:09 PM	#6
David Heath Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2,699	Re: This might get their attention Might be a technical answer - UK firms develop drone-freezing ray - BBC News The "drone problem" was brought home to me personally whilst on holiday very recently. We were in a big market square listening to the guide when a drone appeared at the far end and flew towards us. At first I just watched it out of interest, then saw it approach the mediaeval clock tower (about 100 ft away), and was just thinking "that's a bit close" when it veered and smashed into it. It then seemed to move rapidly away sideways, then back to impact hard again, then fell fast and vertically about 60-80 feet to the ground. There was a lady standing about 6-8 feet from where it fell, and I can only say that she was very, very lucky. We walked past a couple of minutes later and judging by the size, if it had hit her directly it would probably have been fatal. I've read a number of drone accident stories in the last year or so, but when you witness something (fortunately a near miss) personally it really brings it home just what an accident waiting to happen the whole subject is. No doubt the operator thought he may have got good video footage - but to operate a drone over a square full of tourists is simply irresponsible. He can think himself very lucky he's not now facing a manslaughter charge.