Michael DiCiurcio, a South Philadelphia resident, has grown his popularity with his YouTube videos of him flying his drone all around Philadelphia. 

However, after several warnings from the Federal Aviation Administration, he is being fined a significant amount of money for his antics, writes Victor Fiorillo for Philadelphia Magazine.

The FAA has several rules designed to make sure that a person’s drone-flying doesn’t endanger lives or property, and determined DiCiurcio has committed several violations.

According to Jacqueline Romero, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, DiCiurcio violated controlled airspace around Philadelphia International Airport, intentionally flew during dangerous conditions, flew in such a “reckless” manner that he lost control of his drone with people down below, operated his drone dangerously close to the William Penn statue atop City Hall and the Comcast Technology Center, nearly hit a church steeple on one flight, piloted his drone much higher than is allowed, and also “chased and harassed” birds.

In documents filed at Philadelphia’s federal courthouse, Romero noted she is seeking an injunction to put an end to DiCiurcio’s illegal drone activities, and is asking the judge to enforce a $1,501-per-violation fine, which currently comes to a total of $182,004. 

Read more about the crackdown of a South Philly drone pilot at Philadelphia Magazine.

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