Can local law enforcement enforce FAA regulations (e.g., someone recklessly flying 10 feet above a crowd of people)? (2024)

FAQs

Can local law enforcement enforce FAA regulations (e.g., someone recklessly flying 10 feet above a crowd of people)? ›

Law enforcement personnel are not able to enforce FAA regulations; however, most state and local jurisdictions have some sort of "reckless endangerment" statutes they can enforce when appropriate.

The FAA will issue a Notice of Proposed Certificate Action (NPCA), which is a demand that the alleged violator respond, or suffer certificate amendment, revocation or suspension. A NPCA can be issued on a regular or emergency basis.

FAA Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) Special Agents are also available to provide investigation support.

The FAA has civil enforcement authority, and has responsibility for enforcing its own regulations. The FAA may take enforcement action against anyone who conducts unauthorized UAS operations or flies in a way that endangers the safety of the National Airspace System.

Fly at or below 400 feet in Class G (uncontrolled) airspace. Note: Anyone flying a drone in the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS) is responsible for flying within the FAA guidelines and regulations.

Law enforcement personnel are not able to enforce FAA regulations; however, most state and local jurisdictions have some sort of "reckless endangerment" statutes they can enforce when appropriate. Still can't find what you are looking for?

FAA's Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) administer, investigate and enforce safety regulations and standards for the production, operation, maintenance and modification of all aircraft flying today. You must be a U.S. Citizen and have a valid state driver's license.

Remote ID also helps the FAA, law enforcement, and other federal agencies locate the control station when a drone appears to be flying in an unsafe manner or where it is not allowed to fly.

While there is a process to request authorization for flying in controlled airspace, the 400-foot rule remains unwavering, with no provision for waivers. Recreational pilots must adhere strictly to this altitude limit. On the other hand, commercial drone pilots licensed under Part 107 have a bit more leeway.

Even more minor disruptive behavior such as blocking crew member access or disobeying instructions can get you banned from an airline or all airlines if it rises to the FAA level and that can result in fines of up to $25,000 per violation.

Can you fly at 10,000 feet? ›

Commercial airplanes can theoretically fly a little higher than this, and of course they can also fly lower if they choose to. But small aircraft such as those flown by private pilots cannot fly this high, and usually do not go above 10,000 feet. Indeed, they often fly much lower than this.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) regulates aviation security and operates airport screening checkpoints.

The military, in addition to following its own flying rules on low-level altitudes and airspeed, also follows those in Federal Aviation Regulation 91.79 which states that no plane may fly closer than "500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure."

Aviation law sets the foundation that enables the nation to regulate civil aviation and to enforce regulations through primary federal authorities such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or federal agencies established for a related purpose, such as the independent National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The mission of the FAA is to regulate civil aviation and U.S. commercial space transportation, maintain and operate air traffic control and navigation systems for both civil and military aircrafts, and develop and administer programs relating to aviation safety and the National Airspace System.