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FAA seeks record $1.9M fine for civilian drone operator

"SkyPan operated the aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger lives or property," the FAA said in a news release.

By Doug G. Ware

WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is seeking a fine of nearly $2 million for a civilian drone operator the agency says illegally flew into highly congested airspace around New York City and Chicago.

The FAA proposed the fine -- the steepest ever for a drone operator -- against SkyPan International for flying its drones near the crowded cities' airports.

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"Flying unmanned aircraft in violation of the Federal Aviation Regulations is illegal and can be dangerous," FAA chief Michael Huerta said Tuesday. "We have the safest airspace in the world, and everyone who uses it must understand and observe our comprehensive set of rules and regulations."

The administration alleged SkyPan conducted dozens of unauthorized flights of unmanned drones over the airspace.

Federal regulators are seeking the record $1.9 million civil fine to send a strong message about the potential danger of a collision between an aircraft and a drone.

"These operations were illegal and not without risk," the FAA said.

SkyPan flies drones to provide 360-degree aerial views for city developers, some of whom believe the flights are valuable in various projects.

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The FAA said SkyPan conducted 65 flights over New York and Chicago between March 2012 and December 2014 -- 43 of which flew into highly restricted airspace around New York without first obtaining air traffic control clearance.

Additionally, the agency alleges the aircraft was not equipped with a two-way radio, transponder and altitude-reporting equipment.

"The FAA further alleges that on all 65 flights, the aircraft lacked an airworthiness certificate and effective registration, and SkyPan did not have a certificate of waiver or authorization for the operations," the agency said.

"SkyPan operated the aircraft in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger lives or property."

SkyPan International declined Tuesday to comment on the proposed fine.

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