§39B Unsafe Operation of Unmanned Aircraft

Summary

Makes it a crime to fly a drone that knowingly or recklessly interferes with a manned aircraft in U.S. special aircraft jurisdiction if the interference creates an immediate danger to people aboard. It is also a crime to fly a drone without permission inside a runway exclusion zone. Runway exclusion zone — a rectangle centered on an active runway at airports with class B, C, or D surface airspace, extending 1 statute mile past each runway end and ½ statute mile wide. Usually the penalty is a fine, up to 1 year in jail, or both. If someone recklessly causes serious injury or death while committing the reckless interference, the jail term can be up to 10 years plus fines. If someone knowingly causes, tries, or plans to cause serious injury or death while committing the knowing interference or while in the runway exclusion zone, the sentence can be a fine and any term of years in prison or life, or both.