The FAA is shifting its philosophy on the oversight of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), levying fines and revoking certifications for violators who previously may have faced only lower-level compliance actions.
In late January, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford quietly greenlit changes to FAA Order 2150.3C, which now requires the “full enforcement” of relevant laws when drone pilots “endanger the public, violate established airspace restrictions, or operate a drone in furtherance of an element of another crime.”
Per the order, in those cases, compliance and administrative measures—such as on-the-spot corrections, counseling, or remedial training—will not be used outside of limited circumstances. Instead, drone pilots could be fined up to $75,000 and lose their remote pilot, pilot, and other airman or ground instructor certifications.
Compare this to the language the FAA uses on a web page describing its compliance program, last updated in May 2024: “Generally, if you are qualified and both willing and able to cooperate, FAA will resolve the issue with a compliance action. In contrast, discovery of behavior indicating an unwillingness or inability to comply may result in enforcement action.”
In short, the FAA historically has opted for compliance actions rather than stricter enforcement when the case allows. Now, investigators will be required to refer UAS-related cases to the Office of the Chief Counsel (AGC) for legal action. Only with approval from the AGC and a program office director can they forgo that process and pursue lesser compliance or administrative measures.
“The FAA will take decisive action against drone operators who ignore safety rules or operate without authorization,” Liam McKenna, FAA’s chief counsel, said in a statement Friday. “These unsafe operations create serious risks, and the FAA will hold operators fully accountable for any violations.”
The order gives a few examples of acts that endanger the public, including operations over people, beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS), or with weapons in violation of regulations. Pilots who lose control of their drone or drop an object, creating an “undue hazard” to other people, aircraft, or property, also face legal action.
Violations of airspace restrictions include operations without compliant remote identification systems, near airports, or in Class B, C, or D airspace without air traffic control authorization. Remote pilots will also face harsh penalties for disregarding notices to airmen (NOTAMs), such as a recent temporary flight restriction covering Department of Homeland Security “mobile assets” and “personnel.”
Per the order, “in furtherance of an element of another crime” broadly covers all federal crimes. The directive treats UAS operations under Parts 91, 135, or 137 the same as those under Part 107.
The FAA is also looking to clamp down on “regulatory and statutory violations that demonstrate a lack of care, judgment, or responsibility,” which the order leaves somewhat ambiguous.
Typically, the agency does not fine UAS violators if it has already revoked their certification. Now, pilots who are deemed to show a “lack of care, judgment, or responsibility” will “generally” face both penalties, because “such violations reflect a lack of qualifications to hold a certificate.” Per the order, lack of qualifications could be demonstrated through a “single event,” giving drone pilots a short leash.
In these cases, the FAA could revoke “all certificates held” by the pilot, excluding airman medical certificates.
The order further calls for elevated UAS enforcement in “special situations,” which could be tied to a specific location.
“When these circumstances arise, the FAA may establish a special emphasis enforcement program designed to focus on a particular area of noncompliance on a national or local geographical basis,” it reads.
The order purports to enforce President Donald Trump’s June executive order, which contains similar language around penalties for UAS violations.
The FAA on Friday said that between 2023 and 2025, it issued fines between $1,771 and $36,770 for 18 UAS operations. Those include drone pilots who impeded aerial firefighting efforts, entered restricted airspace over Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, and flew near crowds at Super Bowl LVII in Arizona and the SunFest Music Festival in West Palm Beach. The agency took license enforcement action against eight pilots in that same span.
Pilots and others can report suspected unsafe drone operations to their local FAA Flight Standards District Office.
