Drone Pilot BANNED from flying ALL DRONES!

[@BOTGRINDER]

6:48 this is the us justice system working as intended, you can basically do whatever you want as long as you have the money to pay for it.

[@Geeksvana]

There is another topic within this story, completely unrelated to drones. I wonder how many times these type of tactics have been used to seemingly prevent a defence.

[@cyberherbalist]

This reminds me of a case involving a Ham Radio (Amateur) operator in the US many years ago. The guy was treating the radio bands as his personal broadcast medium -- he wasn't communicating, he was broadcasting. And he also ran paid adverts on the frequencies he took over. By "take over" I mean he broadcast at higher than legal power, for hours. The FCC sanctioned him over and over, including revoking his license, and finally their patience ran out. They had the FBI raid his home and confiscate every scrap of radio transmission equipment. He owed tens (maybe hundreds) of thousands of dollars in fines.

[@Geeksvana]

That seems very similar in terms of someone simply seeming to ignore enforcement action. That is an interesting case, will look it up!

[@cyberherbalist]

@@Geeksvana - it may be hard to find. This was about 30 years ago.

[@BillSikes.]

As the old saying goes "If you tickle a Bears arse, dont be surprised if it turns round and bites you"

[@Shooter_FPV]

When you keep pushing and pushing, something will definitely break. Serves him right...

[@Geeksvana]

Yes, the 'poking of bears' rings true here.

[@almont2112]

Wow. He posted on his channel he was working with the FAA to get right with the law. Mikey, Mikey, Mikey...

[@johnburns5783]

Serves him right. He said on a recent video he would now comply with the FAA regulations. Just a shame he didn’t follow the rules he said he would adhere to.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey John! Yes, it does seem to have been a 'say one thing and do another' situation. Hopefully this will bring about an end to the saga.

[@DarkpawTheWolf]

Poor Mikey. For the other side of this story, Mikey has been on disability for a while, and makes very little (but much needed) income from his channel. He probably did this as an act of desperation. I'm very saddened by this.

[@testpilotian3188]

Seems a bit harsh but it’s not like he hasn’t been taunting the authorities.

[@jdd1777]

He basically said "F You" to the FAA and then tried to lie and say he never got any notice he was doing anything wrong. He deserves everything he gets.

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

Playing with the authorities, making them look like fools, can only end this way. Lots of drone flyers bend the rules a little now and then, without causing any harm but keep it within limits. Who doesn't drive the car 1 mpg too fast now and then?

[@RandoManFPV]

They are fools and nobody will be able to fly any drone for anything at all if we don't stand up for our freedom

[@Stefan_Boerjesson]

@@RandoManFPV Whar are the odds for success? Sadly, most likely small.

[@dronedude9523]

@@RandoManFPV If you look at the extreme things he did, like flying above the clouds in horrible visibility all the way to the ground, it's not something any of us should be standing up for. Nobody would be allowed to fly if we were all flying over skyscrapers in major cities. This isn't just about the minor infractions like flying beyond visual line of sight etc..

[@RandoManFPV]

@@dronedude9523 true. I wasn't really speaking on this situation specifically when I typed that but ye you definitely right. This dude done fcked around and found out it seems

[@RealNovgorod]

How about some context? Even a link in the description would do. You can't expect everyone to be fully briefed if you can't even mention him who shall not be named.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey! Thanks and good point. The interview should have been linked in the description and is now!

[@RealNovgorod]

@@Geeksvana Perfect!

[@Dorff_Meister]

Sadly, I'm surprised it took this long.

[@maddercat]

Awe man poor mikey...that's not good for him, drones were his life.

[@dronedude9523]

Maybe he can focus on building drones and selling them. An outlaw drone brand would have street cred based on his drone past. Hopefully the ban isn't permanent and he can resume flying later.

[@fonsos13]

Thanks for the update. He alone is responsible for losing his privilege to fly and operate drones. He knew he couldn't afford legal representation and made conscientious effort to continue violating the rules. Had he caused an accident a lot of who fly by the rules would have been negatively impacted. His selfishness is why this happened. It really angers me that he did it.

[@campandcook3118]

Funny thing is, he doesnt need any paper or kings allwance to fly his drone on public land. The only mistake is to Register a drone and to show your face, adress or face in the Videos of the drone flights

[@leesherman9686]

Quick one guys! Im going to Cyprus soon and want to take my DJI min 4 pro. I can take this and fly out there with no issues correct?

[@BMacksAerialVisuals]

In the USA, as an example, driving a motor vehicle is considered a privilege, not a right. If, depending on whatever state you live in, you rack up 3, 5 or 10 driving infractions for speeding or running Stop signs, etc., the state can revoke your driver's license. If you continue to drive without a license, you can expect to be incarcerated for some length of time or another. Disobeying FAA rules is basically the same set up. As for not having legal representation, that is a choice. If you feel you have been truly wronged by the state, a lot of lawyers would take a case like this pro bono just to gain the notoriety.

[@pdtech4524]

Agree he should be made accountable but what kind of driving offence do you have to commit to be banned for life? Come on this is totally disproportionate.⚠️😲🤔

[@ex-iu6ci]

@@pdtech4524 Driving under the influence can result in permanent revocation of driving rights.

[@Geeksvana]

But if you continue to commit that minor driving offence again and again. The small risk it creates grows and authorities will step in. If something happened, there would be people asking why they didn't act. Remember the FAA have been dealing with him since 2019.

[@pdtech4524]

@@Geeksvana Depends what minor driving infraction you commit over and over? I certainly can't think of any minor offences that would result in a life time ban? Parking on double yellows?😲 Doing 34mph in a 30mph?🤔😳 Driving with brake light out?

[@pdtech4524]

@@ex-iu6ci Perhaps in the USA? Certainly not in the UK the punishments for such offences are staggeringly light⚠️😲😳

[@meathead2676]

Mikey boy is a pretty cool guy 😎 I think every drone pilot should write a letter to the Philadelphia courts and complain about their very harsh and cruel actions against one drone pilot..

[@Trevor_Fuss]

This man has been given enough warnings over the years. even to the point of the court telling him that he could only fly by the rules and if he was going to post videos he would need a part 107. To do another flight after that court warning left the court with no other option but to ban him. Most drone pilots would get the message after the first warning and change there ways.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Trevor! Yes, I agree the vast majority would have taken notice by now. It has almost become a test of a theoretical case!

[@conorstewart2214]

It is entirely his own fault. He broke the rules, got caught multiple times and told to stop, got court orders telling him to stop and yet he still keeps on doing it. Now we will see if he actually stops flying drones or if he will be caught again. Let’s just hope his foolish and irresponsible actions don’t end up negatively affecting the rest of us.

[@LWM_modelling]

sorry but if anyone deserves it he does, hes constantly poked the bear as well as batted the hornets nest play stupid games win stupid prizes

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Bill! It is tough to argue with that. I wonder if I am being a little soft but I would love to see the system step in and give even a small amount of support. I think anyone would find it tough to find the money to fight a civil case against a government.

[@LWM_modelling]

@@Geeksvana he could always argue unfit to stand trial due to mental illness cause you have to be a little cray cray to not learn after the third fourth fifth warning

[@johnburns5783]

@@LWM_modelling Ahh the old “ I’m not right in the head trick “ ,,,,,,, Even more reason not to trust him with a drone 😉😉

[@dronedude9523]

@@LWM_modelling He did have food and drug addictions so it's not a stretch to say his addictive personality didn't cause him to take it too far with drones. He does need some mental counseling in my opinion as he has let this affect his marriage and other family relations. But as @johnburns5783 said, currently there is no reason to trust him with a drone

[@josh_bfc_2769]

Not been keeping up with the latest events on his channel,but this headine is truly shocking. No help from a legal team, as you say, puts him very vulnerable. It's not a position I'd wish on anybody.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey! I agree. I am all for people being held accountable, but a system running unchecked by a decent defence is something we should be concerned about.

[@hudster80]

It sucks he doesn’t have the money to hire an attorney

[@TentoesMe]

Twice, he has turned down attorneys willing to represent him for free.

[@dronedude9523]

@@TentoesMe How did you find this out?

[@dronedude9523]

@@hudster80 Sucks that he made stupid choices despite having major heat on him.

[@chefb1461]

Wow, what great information love your channel

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks! Appreciate your kind words.

[@jp45424]

I realize he broke the rules, but I really feel for the guy. I personally wouldn't have flown over the skyscrappers like he did, but Philly is his town and even though he couldn't see his drone he probably could see the surrounding airspace. I seriously doubt that most drone pilots obey the VLOS rule. I have a spot I love to fly to where I can hopefully catch a train or two. When I get to the spot I ensure that I'm not over any roads or people. Unfortunately, I can't physically see my drone at that spot, but I can clearly see the surrounding airspace and would easily be able to avoid any manned aircraft. So while I may not be obeying the letter of the law, I am definitely obeying the spirit of the law. Flying drones was at first a diversion for Mikey and at some point it appears to have become a passion of his. I hate to think of what may become of him with that diversion/passion being taken away.

[@krtz23]

Too bad he can't make an agreement to get rid of by selling the drones. Of course The issue is that the serial numbers are trackable and a new perspective owner could faced more scrutinizing than usual since its on the radar!

[@johncarold]

Thanks Sean on this video

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks Johhny!!

[@patking4928]

Looks like this dude is about to be the "Pete Rose" of the drone industry.

[@mudpuddle8805]

You didnt tell us what the guy did with his drones so we really have no idea if he was being reasonable or not. That being said, there's little reason to ever get caught flying your drone. Modern drones can fly so far and for such a long time at a very good speed, anyone should be able to fly from a remote location and get the footage they want and return to the remote location without any possibility of being spotted by the public.

[@douglasw7806]

Mikey was warned repeatedly by the feds. He ignored their many warnings and is now paying the price. I expect they're trying to make an example of him to other drone operators. Follow the rules, it's simple. Mikey should have gotten a lawyer. Expecting minor consequences from the feds is foolish.

[@BrantAerials]

Good summary Sean. Thanks.

[@RandyCAstleMPM]

In Mikeys defense I feel like the government is overreaching in this case to try and set an example. I agree he should not have poked the bear, but when the bear is all up in ya space it's kind of hard not to. He didn't harm a soul, didn't damage a thing. A complete ban on flying?? C'mon man! that's just ridiculous. Give the man a fine and go enforce some real safety regulations. We got doors flying off 777's for God sake, Thats like the police going after the guy Loitering while the stores getting robbed at gun point. Doesn't make much sense. I smell a diversion 🐽😤

[@netvisionz]

I agree with you. Every time I hear about this line of sight rule it really erks me. The rules basically cripple pilots in many cases. Will you always be able to see your drone when it's in flight? You have to be really close for that to be the case. It defeats the purpose of using drone technology. Modern drones have enough safety tech to alert you when a manned aircraft is nearby and to ensure that you don't cause an accident.

[@RandoManFPV]

People die on airplanes FAA doesn't care. Airlines pay them off

[@PhillyDroneLife]

You couldn't be more wrong.. Lol.. But very right about them doing everything they can.... to stop me from flying.. last flight on the 8th was not done by me... Let me explain.. Not that it matters anymore... (Without a lawyer They win.. Game over...) When you sell a drone , they want to see if it flies.. Right? I was vo of a very short flight with LEDs on and within approx 1 mile. We both saw the drone.... Very short and safe flight..... Last order stated I could fly but needed to follow regulations.. IMO I did... They don't think so ..... If I was allowed to defend myself in court. There would be a diff outcome.. they would not allow me to speak..o well . Lol.. thx for the story..

[@Geeksvana]

Is that what the flight on the 8th was for? To sell the Mavic 3? I stated allegedly flew on the 8th as I could not see how they could prove it was you on the sticks without video. I noticed they also made a point about the video you posted on the day of court, (and then removed). Feels like they are watching VERY closely. Have they made ANY efforts to assist or recognise that you have no representation? It feels so wrong to me personally.

[@maddercat]

That's sad man I can't believe they banned you completely...what are you going to do?

[@tiagofermar]

Even if you were guilty, I believe that is completely disproportionate. I'm so sorry that you're going through that. No trial is fair if one cannot defend himself. I wish you the best luck!

[@gunjafpv]

Mate... you could have spoken to the FAA from the start, stopped doing what they thought was illegal at the time. But you ignored them, buried head in sand and continued. No sympathy from me I'm afraid. And selling a drone? OK fair enough (I believe they've all been seized now), why would you need to demo it a mile away? Hover in front of you a little sure, fly a mile away? Yeah right. you're story just doesn't add up, over and over... Sorry but you've brought this on yourself, whether in the right or not. I don't believe you've broken all the rules/laws they say you haven, but you just not helped yourself one bit.

[@dronedude9523]

Respectfully, with the major heat you had on you and no LEGAL advice, there's no way you should have flown or allowed to have a drone registered to you to be flown over a mile away. Don't blame anyone but you for that. These semantic filled excuses you offer up undermine your credibility. The huge problem you have here is that "your opinion" is just that, your opinion. Your opinion is frequently based on you just wanting to do what you want to do. You're addicted to the adrenaline that comes with risky rule breaking flying. Lawyers help when you listen to their advice. I guarantee you no lawyer would have told you to fly or let someone fly that M3 on April 8th. A mile is not a short flight for almost everyone who flies a drone especially in a large city. You're not going to get out of this on your terms. They have given you chances to get out of this but you have to Burger King (have it your way) every opportunity given to you.

[@James-cf4jc]

This guy is why we now have to deal with the remote ID crap is people that fly there drones like this that has created the R I D thank you very much!!!

[@dronesaloft]

I’m really hoping there is something better than this in the pipeline tbh.

[@Windsurfingaddict]

Well if you are constantly warned by the law and you take it on yourself to continue to ignore it then expect consequences, I have not looked into this case but the law is the law so I would say it’s his own fault and an expensive one. Think about any unlawful behaviour and you get warned over and over and you ignore it then authorities have the right to enforce it and decide to be lenient or throw the maximum allowed at an individual. I have no sympathy and yes I’m a drone pilot.

[@felixruiz2838]

Thanks for the video

[@whatsmine7848]

I’m surprised the CAA haven’t started issuing fines to Auditors in the UK who clearly brake CAA rules and regulations on a daily basis.

[@stehume]

I have watched a few of these KZbin videos and won't watch any more as it's just more people giving drone uses who use them how they should be used and legally a bad name. I'm very new to this and don't want to have my drone taken of me or get the use of drones banned altogether

[@JoeBlogs720]

What channels are you referring to ? I have seen only one video where the police were sure an offence was commited, many car drivers break the law daily thats for sure and are far more dangerous, thousands of people a year are killed on our roads. This persecution of minorities in this country is akin to bullying whilst people driving a ton of metal get away with murder literally.

[@maddercat]

I thought the point of the auditors was that they're not breaking caa rules. They're trying to show what the rules actually are and that people are completely confused by them. I think a lot of the same has happened in this case as well. Most of Mikey's flights were legal except that he didn't have a part 107 which would have allowed them to be legal. probably I would guess 15 percent of his total content was definitely against the rules like flying above and through clouds was definitely a big nono, but otherwise I think he was mostly in class g airspace, other than the bvloss which tons of people do.

[@DrRussell]

This studio setup looks class!

[@619ota]

LOL watch this be Vernon next excuse on why MD4 STILL hasn't shipped 😅

[@rubengarciajr7560]

Didn’t Mikey sell his Mavic 3, how do they know it was him flying it?

[@sUASNews]

He was offered pro bono legal representation from at least two US lawyers I know, for whatever reason he declined it.

[@fonsos13]

WOW!

[@y_i_fly6256]

Don’t mean any ill will against anybody but when it’s self inflicted they really have no one else to blame but themselves. A lesson learned the hard way.

[@JSKCKNIT]

Seems pretty harsh, but he's brought it on himself. Mark my words, he'll violate the order.

[@terrenceparker3119]

Mikey a cool & funny as dude he just be trying to stay out the way & have fun it do seem like they single him out i feel sad for mikey

[@fpvsparky]

Are you based in the USA or uk?

[@Geeksvana]

Hey! Based in UK. But we report on world events in the same way as most journalists.

[@BIGPAPAFOOT]

Uhoh 😮

[@user-pk8yx5ix3b]

Love Mikey to bits but come on guy, don't fcuk it up for the rest of us.

[@lindsayheyes925]

Sillydronelife?

[@danthedroneman5771]

How exciting ;)

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Dan! Yes, a culmination of a saga...

[@DoomerONE]

Finally........

[@tombusby2333]

Firstly, he is not a pilot...controlling a toy in the air does not make you a pilot. Flying a fixed wing or helicopter requires one to sit in the drivers seat. We need a better definition for a person contolling toy vs a pilot controlling a fixed wing from within the cockpit or helio vs a military serviceman flying a weapon of war from a desk.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Tom! I fought for so long to try and stop the regulators of the world from calling us pilots. I preferred drone operator but often prefer just a simple 'drone flyer'.

[@bitsbytes123]

US drone operators are legally pilots, so your opinion is substantively irrelevant.

[@edcbabc]

He is probably an idiot, but one thing xjet has pointed out is that the FAA's request to court would even stop him flying a tiny whoop indoors. This is what happens when there are no checks and balances on a regulatory body - and there aren't, because we, the hobby, are too small and powerless to count. It is the general lack of proportionality in drone regulation around the world that gets me, one feels we are just a nuisence they would like to not have to bother with. Squeeze us to insignificance, or ideally out of existence.

[@dronedude9523]

Xjet with a an irrelevant take, who woulda thunk it?

[@Geeksvana]

Sadly, Xjets' video is not based on the facts of the case. The petition was not from the FAA, and the ban has almost nothing to do with aviation regulations. It was punishment for the defendant being in contempt of court, passed down from a federal judge. The case has been moved from the FAA to DoJ and is being 'prosecuted' by them. It is an important distinction to make as there is no mechanism for the FAA to make this type of request. This is an annoyed judge taking extreme measures to stop someone constantly breaching a court order. Remember, the flights this action was taken over, were after the original order last month. Mikey even uploaded a video of BVLOS flying on the morning he appeared in court. He then pulled it down when it was mentioned in court. This is not an issue of anyone's freedom. This will not be repeated with other drones pilots. It is an individual court stopping someone from acting against a court order. Nothing more.

[@edcbabc]

@@dronedude9523 why is it irrelevant?

[@dronedude9523]

@@edcbabc Geeskvana beat me to a response.

[@edcbabc]

@@Geeksvana that's a good point, but his basic argument remains correct, I think. Which is that the whole matter is excessive, a sledge hammer to crack a nut. The fact that the sledge hammer is wielded by the legal system in general as opposed to the FAA in particular does not seem to me to make much difference. It is still officialdom saying "mess with us at your peril". One can argue that punishment always has to exceed the crime to be a deterrent, but there is supposed to be proportionality built in. What was the initial intended fine, $180,000, or something? We live in a democracy, and two of the key points about democracies are that they rule with the will of the people, which implies that the people as a whole think the balance between control and freedom works, and that it is possible for the people to change the ruling group if they disagree with their actions. Whilst that may be true of the nation in general, in the microcosm of the RC world, it does not seem to apply at all. Most people seem to think that doesn't really matter, possibly because we take freedoms for granted, but I do. Freedoms are easier to lose than acquire. I don't therefore think one can assume this type of thing won't happen to others, it depends on the circumstances. If that were really true, it wouldn't have happened to him.

[@nickrich710]

yes 😃😃😃😃😃😃👍👍👍👍👍