The Ravens/Steelers game that got halted this past weekend because a drone was within the NFZ got me thinking. Not “how?” but more “what happens?”. Then, DJI announced that they were removing geofencing as of 1/13/25. So now, I’m really curious.
My drone is FAA registered, and I am 107 certified. I understand the rules and I comply with them – with or without DJI geofencing. This isn’t about wanting to break the rules. This question is about enforcement.
But instead of me, let’s use a hypothetical drone pilot. Let’s say it’s a new DJI Air 3S. Let’s say it’s not FAA registered. Let’s say that this consumer is not 107 certified nor have they gone through TRUST. Just some guy that bought his first drone on Amazon. Because it’s a new drone, it does have Remote ID.
In each of these cases, what realistically happens? I know what the rules are – and Mr. Newdrone has wildly violated the rules in every scenario. But in reality, what happens? His drone is broadcasting Remote ID. So, the drone *could* be tracked and he *could* be hunted down. But would he be?
While restricted airspace is restricted airspace, I’m guessing that in reality, the level of enforcement is based (to some degree) on the magnitude/importance of the transgression. For example, something tells me that the reaction to his Area 51 flight would be different than flying over a Disney hotel.
I learned a lot about rules and what the FAA *can* do when going through the 107 exam prep. These scenarios/questions aren’t about that. These are about what realistically *does* or *will* happen.
I’m asking not because I plan to do any of this. But with geofencing now removed by DJI, I’d really like to start understanding how the FAA will police this. Because a lot of people will just ignore warning messages.
My drone is FAA registered, and I am 107 certified. I understand the rules and I comply with them – with or without DJI geofencing. This isn’t about wanting to break the rules. This question is about enforcement.
But instead of me, let’s use a hypothetical drone pilot. Let’s say it’s a new DJI Air 3S. Let’s say it’s not FAA registered. Let’s say that this consumer is not 107 certified nor have they gone through TRUST. Just some guy that bought his first drone on Amazon. Because it’s a new drone, it does have Remote ID.
- Scenario 1. Mr. Newdrone lifts off near a restricted airfield. Not JFK Airport, but the airfield is big enough that prior to 1/13/25, geofencing would have prohibited takeoff. But after 1/13/25, his drone will take off. Mr. Newdrone ignores the warning messages and joyrides around the sky taking pictures of the runways.
- Scenario 2. Mr. Newdrone flies to Orlando. He stays outside Disney property. But he launches his drone and joyrides over hotels on Disney property. Again, he ignores the warning messages. [Author’s note – I realize restricted airspace is restricted airspace. But I am purposely setting this scenario over private property.]
- Scenario 3. Mr. Newdrone flies to Kansas City to watch the playoff game. But he doesn’t have tickets. So, he decides to launch his drone and fly around outside the stadium. Once again, the officials halt the game. [Author’s note – this one is about temporary restricted space.]
- Scenario 4. Mr. Newdrone is really racking up the frequent flier miles! After KC, he flies to Nevada. He heads out toward Groom Lake and launches his drone to see if he can spot any alien artifacts at Area 51. [Author’s note – this one is about a restricted government facility.]
In each of these cases, what realistically happens? I know what the rules are – and Mr. Newdrone has wildly violated the rules in every scenario. But in reality, what happens? His drone is broadcasting Remote ID. So, the drone *could* be tracked and he *could* be hunted down. But would he be?
While restricted airspace is restricted airspace, I’m guessing that in reality, the level of enforcement is based (to some degree) on the magnitude/importance of the transgression. For example, something tells me that the reaction to his Area 51 flight would be different than flying over a Disney hotel.
I learned a lot about rules and what the FAA *can* do when going through the 107 exam prep. These scenarios/questions aren’t about that. These are about what realistically *does* or *will* happen.
I’m asking not because I plan to do any of this. But with geofencing now removed by DJI, I’d really like to start understanding how the FAA will police this. Because a lot of people will just ignore warning messages.
