Tourist facing €200,000 ($233,000 USD) after flying a drone without authorization in the Canary Islands

[anotherlab]

A holidaymaker is facing a fine of up to €200,000 after flying a drone without authorisation during the crowded Virgen del Carmen festival in Puerto de la Cruz earlier this month, according to a statement from the National Police.

The incident occurred on 15th July, during the popular maritime procession attended by thousands of onlookers. Police officers monitoring the event noticed an unauthorised drone in flight. The operator was quickly traced to Hotel Las Águilas, in the upper part of the town.

Upon questioning, the tourist admitted to not having a pilot licence, insurance, or knowledge of Spanish drone regulations. The drone was confiscated, and the case was referred to AESA (Spain’s State Aviation Safety Agency) for administrative proceedings.

No Licence, No Insurance, and No Permission

Under Spanish and EU law, all drone flights in urban areas or over crowds require prior authorisation, and pilots must be registered, insured, and trained. The holidaymaker lacked all of these requirements.

During the festival, only three authorised drones were allowed to fly — two operated by the National Police for security surveillance and one for official event coverage. The unauthorised flight was not only illegal but considered dangerous, especially in such a densely populated setting.

Serious Consequences for Breaking Drone Laws

Authorities have warned that Spain’s drone laws are strict and violations are taken seriously. Depending on the severity, fines can range from:

• €60 to €45,000 for minor infractions (e.g., flying without insurance),
• €45,001 to €90,000 for serious offences (e.g., flying in restricted areas),
• €90,001 to €225,000 for very serious breaches (e.g., endangering people or interfering with airspace).

Source: Canarian Weekly - Holidaymaker faces €200,000 fine for flying drone illegally during Canarian festival

 

[mavic3usa]

Here's another story on the same incident: Tourist faces $244K fine for breaking drone rules abroad

I had a long entire reply written out but I erased it and decided to wait for the actual fine to be levied.

 

[GFields]

I am somewhat hesitant to say this, but examples need to be made of those who blatantly disregard flight safety. If so, others might think twice before doing so.

 

[AMann]

I am somewhat hesitant to say this, but examples need to be made of those who blatantly disregard flight safety. If so, others might think twice before doing so.

I know several here will not like it at all, but I’m all for it. That’ll get rid of the bozos that are doing stupid things for giggles with them and risking ruining it for the rest of us. Drones are not toys anymore.

 

[Max Headroom]

I am somewhat hesitant to say this, but examples need to be made of those who blatantly disregard flight safety. If so, others might think twice before doing so.

I couldn't agree more, every time one of these idiots does this and it hits the headlines its another nail in the coffin for all us drone pilots.

 

[Max Headroom]

And now we have two flying over an airport (see other thread)

 

[Felix le Chat]

I'll hazard an educated guess that the moron that got collared for this was neither ignorant, or stupid, just selfish and under the impression he/she could do what they wanted and get away with it.

"Selfish" because they didn't give a hoot about the real consequences: which will be suffered by every other responsible drone user across the EU from this point on when the regulatory framework gets tightened further.

This makes me start to question whether I'm in the wrong for adhering to all the rules, guidance and regulations when not one of us is offered support or protection (like the owners of light aircraft) from the Aviation Authorities for playing by the rules: but every one of us will suffer the fallout generated by the actions of a minority who think rules apply exclusively to other people.