The FAA will -absolutely- charge you with a federal crime if the attack on aircraft infrastructure is reported to them.
Now, presumably, someone flying a drone that would actually report such a thing would also be following the relevant FAA regulations regarding being a licensed pilot and operating within the legal framework of drone operations, and they would likely also have video evidence making it easy to prosecute the felon in question.
The FAA takes drone operations with equal seriousness as private aircraft operations, and drones and pilots must be licensed by the FAA unless they weigh under 250 grams.
It was the Wild West. It’s not anymore. FAA inspectors are notoriously bored and will pursue any case they think they can win, especially when it comes to actions against aviation infrastructure.
If you fly a drone illegally you can face federal fines up to $75000. But shooting one down is an actual federal crime punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and very punitive fines.
Now under 250 grams (and unregistered)? Idk if the FAA would get involved. But the drone owner might take you to small claims court, and assuming they were operating within the law you would very likely lose.
But if it’s got an N-Number and you shoot it down, I would prepare to get my door knocked down. Its like the ATF, It’s not so much a matter of how much they care, it’s more a matter of asserting their jurisdiction and control. It’s an easy win against someone who used a firearm to destroy a federally registered aircraft.
But, IANAL, if you decide to try it out let me know how that goes for you.
Now, presumably, someone flying a drone that would actually report such a thing would also be following the relevant FAA regulations regarding being a licensed pilot and operating within the legal framework of drone operations, and they would likely also have video evidence making it easy to prosecute the felon in question.
The FAA takes drone operations with equal seriousness as private aircraft operations, and drones and pilots must be licensed by the FAA unless they weigh under 250 grams.
It was the Wild West. It’s not anymore. FAA inspectors are notoriously bored and will pursue any case they think they can win, especially when it comes to actions against aviation infrastructure.
If you fly a drone illegally you can face federal fines up to $75000. But shooting one down is an actual federal crime punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and very punitive fines.
Now under 250 grams (and unregistered)? Idk if the FAA would get involved. But the drone owner might take you to small claims court, and assuming they were operating within the law you would very likely lose.
But if it’s got an N-Number and you shoot it down, I would prepare to get my door knocked down. Its like the ATF, It’s not so much a matter of how much they care, it’s more a matter of asserting their jurisdiction and control. It’s an easy win against someone who used a firearm to destroy a federally registered aircraft.
But, IANAL, if you decide to try it out let me know how that goes for you.