FAA, UAS legally an “aircraft”

The National Transportation Safety Board affirmed the agency’s position that unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) meet the legal definition of “aircraft,” and that the agency may take enforcement action against anyone who operates a UAS or model aircraft in a careless or reckless manner.

The debate stemmed from the case of a student, Raphael Pirker, operating a UAS on university grounds without FAA approval, for which he was fined $10 000. Mr.Pirker appealed the fine, stating that FAA rulings did not apply to his type of UAS.

The FAA believes Mr. Pirker operated a UAS in a careless or reckless manner, and that the proposed civil penalty should stand. The agency looks forward to a factual determination by the Administrative Law Judge on the “careless or reckless” nature of the operation in question.

Source and image: FAA