Drone Pilot Charged, Unusual Machines Aquires Aloft, PhillyDroneLife Update, More State Drone Bills

Welcome to your Weekly UAS News update. We have four stories for you this week: a drone operator charged for hitting the Super Scooper, Unusual Machine to acquire AOF affiliate, a YouTuber’s plea deal, and numerous new drone bills in state legislatures. Let’s dive in.

Drone Operator Charged for Hitting Super Scooper

Peter Tripp Akemann of Culver City, California, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of unsafe operation of an unmanned aircraft. On January 9th, a drone hit a Canadair CL-415, also known as the Super Scooper, damaging a 3-inch by 6-inch portion of the leading edge of the wing. Several drone parts were found inside the wing after aircraft maintainers discovered the damage.

The aircraft, on loan from the Canadian government, was operating over Los Angeles in response to wildfires. Investigators traced the parts to a specific drone, leading them to Akemann. According to the plea agreement, Akemann admitted to reckless operation and posing an imminent safety hazard. He has agreed to pay restitution to the government of Quebec for the damage, estimated at approximately $65,000, and to complete 150 hours of community service.

Akemann attorney mentioned several mitigating factors, including Akemann reliance on DJI’s geofencing safeguard feature and its failure. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Unusual Machines to Acquire Aloft Technologies

Unusual Machines will acquire Aloft Technologies in a $14.5 million deal. The acquisition is dependent on stockholder approval and financial audits. We expect the Aloft team to continue providing the best possible drone experience and to support Aware. Congratulations to the team!

Philly YouTuber Settles in Court for Alleged Illegal Flights

Michael DiCiurcio, a Philly YouTuber, has settled in court for alleged illegal drone flights. DiCiurcio has been under FAA scrutiny for several years due to operating drones over people, in fog and clouds, and above 400 feet. Initially, the FAA proposed an $182,000 fine, but DiCiurcio allegedly continued unsafe operations.

As part of the court settlement, DiCiurcio agrees never to operate any UAS within the United States nor seek any certification or licenses to operate a UAS. He has also removed his YouTube channel, Philly Drone Life, and surrendered his drones to the U.S. Government. Any breach of these terms will result in an immediate $110,000 fine.

Numerous Drone Bills in State Legislatures

Several drone bills are currently in state legislatures. We encourage you to contact your local representative through the Drone Advocacy Alliance website if these bills affect your area. Here is a summary of the bills:

• Connecticut: SB 00003 is expected to be similar to a defeated bill from last year regarding drone restrictions.
• Kansas: Proposed legislation for a drone ban based on country of origin concerns.
• Massachusetts: HD 79 imposes restrictions on procuring and using drones based on country of origin.
• Missouri: HB 210 and two additional bills aim to impose restrictions on the purchase and use of drones based on country of origin.
• New Jersey: A270 and S 3483 prevent public safety use of DJI drones and impose additional restrictions.
• Nebraska: LB660 seeks to impose restrictions on certain drones unless they are on a newly created list of secure drones.
• North Dakota: HB 1038 adds funding to a UAS test site and sets up a grant program to replace certain drones with more expensive alternatives.
• Oklahoma: SB 488 prevents drone purchases unless they are on an approved list.
• Virginia: HB 2038 mandates a list of approved drones for public safety agencies based on cybersecurity risk assessments.
• Washington: SB 5302 prevents the acquisition and use of drones based on their manufacturing origin.

If you live in one of these states, please reach out to your state legislature. Join us later today for happy hour in the community on Friday. There will not be a live Q&A on Monday due to travel, but a post-flight update will be posted in the premium community. See you then!