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Los Angeles city attorney files charges against 2 drone users
File: A hobbyist drone flying over an open field.
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Michael MK Khor via Flickr
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Two drone operators face criminal charges after allegedly neglecting restrictions under a city ordinance passed in October 2015, the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office announced in a press release Wednesday.
“It’s very important that our office sends a strong message that there’s a real difference between operating a drone safely and operating one in violation of the city’s new law,” L.A. City Attorney Mike Feuer told KPCC.
The ordinance outlines regulations for drone users in L.A., including that an unmanned aircraft cannot be flown more than 400 feet above the ground — which is one of the rules both defendants broke.
Both Michael Ponce, 20, and Arvel Chappell, 35, could spend up to six months in jail and face $1,000 fines if convicted for failing to play by the rules of the air. They are the first two people to be charged under the new ordinance.
According to the press release, Ponce allegedly flew a drone more than 400 feet above the ground within three miles of hospital heliports. Chappell also allegedly flew a drone higher than 400 feet high, while also allegedly causing an air unit landing at Hooper Heliport to have to alter its route.
Both defendants are set to be arraigned on Feb. 22.
“Drones can be enjoyable for an operator, but they can cause real havoc from a public safety standpoint,” Feuer said.
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Like L.A., the Federal Aviation Administration also recently made rules regarding drones. Starting in December 2015, the FAA mandated that all recreational drones have to be registered.
These regulations are an attempt to prevent accidents from occurring, according to those behind the rules, like drones flying into airspace with manned aircrafts and endangering lives.
Feuer said that drones can also get in the way of firefighters and police helicopters while they are working to protect public safety.
“This ordinance takes a very important step — and one of the leading steps I think in the nation, of any city — to start to restrict the use of drones in a way that protects the public,” Feuer said.
Read the entire ordinance here:
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