Drone Pilot Charged, Unusual Machines Acquires Aloft, PhillyDroneLife Update, More State Drone Bills
Welcome to your Weekly UAS News update. This week, we’ve got four intriguing stories: a drone operator charged for colliding with a Super Scooper, Unusual Machines set to acquire Aloft Technologies, a settlement from a Philly YouTuber, and several new drone bills being considered in state legislatures. Let’s get started!
Drone Operator Charged for Hitting Super Scooper
Peter Tripp Akemann, a drone operator from Culver City, California, has accepted a plea agreement for one count of unsafe drone operation. On January 9, his drone collided with a Canadair CL-415 firefighting aircraft, known as the Super Scooper, causing damage to the leading edge of the wing. Investigation revealed drone fragments lodged inside the wing after maintenance personnel reported the issue.
The airplane, financed by the Canadian government, was deployed over Los Angeles to combat wildfires. Law enforcement linked the remains back to Akemann’s drone. According to the plea deal, he acknowledged reckless operation and the creation of a serious safety threat. He will compensate the Quebec government approximately $65,000 for damages and perform 150 hours of community service.
Akemann’s legal representation cited several mitigating factors, including the failure of DJI’s geofencing feature that he was relying on. We’ll keep you updated as further information emerges.
Unusual Machines to Acquire Aloft Technologies
Unusual Machines has announced its intention to purchase Aloft Technologies in a deal valued at $14.5 million. This acquisition awaits stockholder endorsement and financial evaluations. The Aloft team is expected to continue enhancing the drone experience while supporting the Aware platform. Congratulations to both teams involved!
Philly YouTuber Settles in Court for Alleged Illegal Flights
Michael DiCiurcio, a Philadelphia-based YouTuber, has reached a court settlement due to alleged unauthorized drone operations. DiCiurcio has faced scrutiny from the FAA for several years for flying drones over people, operating in fog and clouds, and exceeding the altitude limit of 400 feet. Initially fined $182,000 by the FAA, DiCiurcio reportedly continued unsafe practices.
In the settlement, he agreed to refrain from operating any UAS in the United States and will forfeit any quest for UAS certification or licenses. His YouTube channel, Philly Drone Life, has been deleted, and he has surrendered his drones to the U.S. Government. Any breach of this agreement will incur an automatic fine of $110,000.
Numerous Drone Bills in State Legislatures
Several drone-related bills are under consideration in various state legislatures. We urge readers to connect with local representatives via the Drone Advocacy Alliance website if these proposals could affect their area. Here’s a snapshot of some of the bills:
- Connecticut: SB 00003 likely parallels last year’s defeated bill concerning drone restrictions.
- Kansas: Proposed legislation aims at enforcing a drone ban dictated by concerns over the country of origin.
- Massachusetts: HD 79 suggests implementing restrictions on drone procurement and usage informed by origin.
- Missouri: HB 210 and two additional proposals seek to modify drone purchase and use based on manufacturing origin.
- New Jersey: A270 and S3483 restrict public safety operations using DJI drones and place further limitations.
- Nebraska: LB660 pushes for regulations on specific drones unless they reside on an official secure drone list.
- North Dakota: HB 1038 allocates funds to a UAS testing site and devises a grant program to replace certain drones with advanced but costly alternatives.
- Oklahoma: SB 488 limits drone purchases to those included on an authorized list.
- Virginia: HB 2038 necessitates an approved drone roster for public safety agencies predicated on cybersecurity evaluations.
- Washington: SB 5302 constrains the procurement and utilization of drones based on their manufacturing origins.
If you’re situated in one of these states, we encourage you to contact your state legislators. Join us later today for networking in the community. Note that we won’t hold a live Q&A on Monday due to travel commitments, but we’ll post a post-flight update in the premium community. See you then!
