Earlier this month, the FAA released a National Policy Compliance and Enforcement Bulletin containing language that takes a harsh stance against pilots who operate unmanned aircraft. As a result of this new policy, pilots who operate UAS against FAA regulations or model aircraft in a manner that endangers aircraft in the National Airspace System (NAS) risk their ability to fly manned aircraft.
According to the bulletin, a civil penalty will be warranted for cases in which the FAA determines the violation imposed a medium or high risk to other aircraft in the NAS. However, the FAA takes disciplinary action further for pilot certificate holders who fly drones.
