PHILADELPHIA, PA — Michael DiCiurcio of Philadelphia has been permanently banned from operating drones within the United States after a federal court entered a consent judgment concerning his repeated violations of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The judgment, announced by U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero, underscores the growing efforts to enforce safe drone operations.
The United States alleged that DiCiurcio operated small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) unsafely in the Philadelphia area from December 2019 to the present. His activities allegedly included operating drones at night near high-profile structures like the William Penn Statue and the Liberty One Building. On one occasion, a drone allegedly came dangerously close to striking a church steeple. Other violations included operating drones in restricted airspace near Philadelphia International Airport, flying over vehicles and people, and losing control of an sUAS that then flew unattended over the city.
Despite receiving written warnings, counseling, and education from the FAA, DiCiurcio allegedly continued to fly drones in a reckless manner, endangering public safety. The FAA’s Flight Standards Division, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, launched an investigation into his actions.
Terms of the Consent Judgment
Under the terms of the consent judgment, finalized on January 29, 2025, DiCiurcio admitted to all allegations outlined in the complaint and acknowledged that his actions violated FAA safety regulations. He agreed to a lifetime ban, which prohibits him from operating, owning, or seeking certification to operate any type of drone in the United States. Additionally, DiCiurcio will permanently delete the content on his YouTube channel, “Philly Drone Life,” and forfeit any sUAS equipment that was previously surrendered during the investigation.
Deputy FAA Administrator Katie Thomson emphasized the agency’s commitment to education and enforcement regarding drone use. “We work hard to educate people about safely flying their drones, and we don’t hesitate to take strong enforcement action when pilots deliberately flout the rules,” Thomson said.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero warned of the risks posed by improper drone use and confirmed her office’s commitment to strict enforcement. “Failing to adhere to the safety requirements for flying small unmanned aircraft systems endangers people and property,” Romero said. “All drone flyers have a responsibility to ensure that they observe all applicable regulations and guidance. Our Office is committed to ensuring total compliance with the FAA regulations, and we will vigorously enforce violations wherever we find them.”
A Landmark Case for Drone Safety
The case, United States of America v. Michael DiCiurcio, highlights the legal and safety obligations of drone operators. It also signals the FAA’s intent to take decisive action against individuals who ignore regulatory guidance. While civil allegations in this case remain just that—allegations—the lifetime ban serves as a precedent for addressing unlawful drone activities.
This judgment reinforces the message that compliance with FAA safety standards is not optional. It also underscores the risks associated with improper drone operations while demonstrating the government’s readiness to pursue those who flout the rules. Looking ahead, authorities will continue prioritizing safety enforcement to mitigate potential hazards posed by reckless drone use.
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