YouTube user PhillyDroneLife has received a permanent ban on operating drones, issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as a consequence of his repeated careless handling of remote-controlled aircraft.
Michael DiCiurcio, who used to run a YouTube channel, is known for his passion for drones. However, after an examination by the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration, his widely-viewed channel was removed.
DiCiurcio gained recognition for capturing aerial footage over Philadelphia with his drones; however, some of his flights seemed to approach dangerous territories.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, DiCiurcio flew his drone dangerously near significant landmarks such as the William Penn Statue and the PSFS Building.
In addition to their claims, it was said that he operated his drone within restricted airspace close to Philadelphia International Airport. Moreover, there was an instance where he apparently lost control of his drone while flying over densely populated parts of the city.
To prevent any unsafe drone activities by DiCirucio, the Federal Aviation Administration issued warnings in writing, provided educational courses about safe drone flying, and cautioned that he could face a significant penalty of up to $182,000.
FAA bans YouTuber from flying drones for life
As a gaming enthusiast, even with the constraints I’ve had to deal with, I’ve still been pushing the limits by flying my drones beyond the federal guidelines. This reckless behavior has apparently caught the attention of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who have decided to file a formal complaint against me.
On January 23, 2025, DiCircuio consented to a court judgment, acknowledging that he had been operating his drones in violation of established regulations.
In a clear-cut ruling, DiCircuito was indefinitely prohibited from operating drones, surrendering all related gear to the Federal Aviation Administration, and deleting his YouTube channel focused on drones.
Neglecting to follow the safety guidelines when operating small drones poses risks to both people and their belongings. Every drone operator carries the obligation to abide by all relevant rules and advice, as stated by US Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero.
In past conversations with DiCricuio, the YouTube personality strongly disagreed with the legal measures that were initiated against him, which was evident during an interview on 6ABC Philadelphia.
He glanced at the individual, realized they were penniless, and exclaimed angrily, “$182,000! Let’s prosecute him with all our might!” he declared.
But for DiCircio, drones helped him to recover after undergoing some massive physical changes.
In a 2024 interview, I shared that I took up flying drones because I was in a physical state of disarray. After getting sober and shedding some pounds, I found myself at a crossroads, questioning the direction of my life. I was in a mess, and I didn’t know where to go from there. The thrill of operating drones became my balancing force, serving as my solace for many years.
In June of 2024, tech YouTube personality ‘Mrwhosetheboss’ wasn’t the first content creator to gain popularity using drones; rather, he delivered a wedding speech accompanied by an impressive display of 500 drones forming a stunning light spectacle.
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2025-02-07 02:23