A man has been fined approximately £1,500 for illegally flying a drone over a busy airport to capture footage of a music festival. Daniel Cesare used a DJI Mavic drone to film this year’s Download Festival at Donington Park, situated near East Midlands Airport. In June, he flew the drone from a recreation center in Shardlow, around two miles away from the festival grounds. However, Cesare’s actions violated airspace restrictions and safety regulations, leading to his prosecution.
Cesare pleaded guilty to seven offenses, including flying an unmanned aircraft in a flight restriction zone without permission, failing to comply with height restrictions, and failing to maintain visual contact with the drone. The charges covered his actions on both June 9 and June 10, during the festival’s duration from June 8 to June 11. At Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court, Cesare was fined £1,008 for flying in the restricted airspace. In addition, he must pay a £403 victim surcharge and £85 in costs.
East Midlands Airport, known for its cargo and passenger traffic, experienced numerous drone-related incidents in June. Cesare’s drone footage showed a plane landing, posing a risk to both aviation safety and the tens of thousands of festival-goers. By flying the drone out of his line of sight, Cesare risked losing control of the aircraft with potentially catastrophic consequences.
Pc Stephen Booth, from Derbyshire Constabulary’s Drones Team, emphasized the importance of adhering to drone laws. He stated that Cesare had exhibited complete disregard for the rules and the safety of those around him. The court’s decision to penalize Cesare reflects the seriousness of flouting drone regulations and serves as a reminder of the authorities’ commitment to enforcing them.
Simon Hinchley, East Midlands Airport’s operations director, condemned the act of flying drones in restricted zones near airports. He warned that doing so is not only dangerous and reckless but also a criminal offense. Hinchley urged all drone users to familiarize themselves with the strict rules and regulations in place to prioritize safety for themselves and others.
The incident involving Daniel Cesare serves as an example of the potential consequences and legal repercussions of operating drones in restricted airspace. The case highlights the need for drone pilots to understand and comply with aviation regulations, particularly in sensitive areas such as airports. By adhering to these rules, drone users can ensure the safety of both themselves and others, reducing the risk of accidents or incidents that could have severe implications.
