PHILADELPHIA, PA — The United States has taken legal action against a Philadelphia man after his drone antics sparked safety fears. Michael DiCiurcio is under fire for allegedly operating drones unlawfully and unsafely across the city, in a flagrant disregard of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
DiCiurcio’s presumed reckless drone operations have reportedly been ongoing since at least December 2019. The daredevil flights have taken place at night, swooping dangerously close to iconic landmarks including the William Penn Statue, PSFS Building, and the towering Liberty One Building. In one hair-raising incident, the drone narrowly avoided colliding with a church steeple mid-flight.
But it’s not just Philadelphia’s impressive architecture that has been facing the risk of DiCiurcio’s daring airborne antics. Astonishingly, he has also faced accusations of maneuvering his drone within the controlled airspace vicinity of Philadelphia International Airport, even allegedly flying it over unsuspecting individuals and moving vehicles. In one truly heart-stopping incident, it is reported that he unfortunately lost control of the drone, resulting in its uncontrolled flight across the entire cityscape.
Despite receiving multiple written warnings and undergoing counseling sessions from the FAA regarding safe drone operations, DiCiurcio appeared to be undeterred in his actions. It is alleged that he persistently continued to operate his drones in an illegal and reckless manner, thereby endangering the safety of others. As a result, the United States has taken decisive action by seeking significant civil penalties and pursuing an injunction to halt any further illegal conduct by DiCiurcio.
U.S. Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero didn’t mince her words when commenting on the case, “Failing to adhere to the safety requirements for flying drones endangers people and property. All drone operators have a responsibility to observe all regulations and guidance. We will vigorously enforce violations wherever we find them.”
Deputy FAA Administrator Katie Thomson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the FAA’s commitment to education and enforcement. “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,” said Thomson.
The case, officially known as United States of America v. Michael DiCiurcio, Case No. 24-cv-00612 (E.D. Pa.), is being investigated by the FAA’s Flight Standards Division and the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Viveca D. Parker is handling the case.
While the civil claims remain allegations at this point, the case serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by reckless drone operations. As we await the outcome of this landmark case, it’s clear that the skies above Philadelphia are under scrutiny like never before. The message from authorities is loud and clear: no one is above the law, not even those operating high above the ground.
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