The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a civil penalty of USD 289,215 against Gorge Drones of Stevenson, Washington, for alleged unauthorised drone operations.
“The FAA alleges Gorge Drones operated a drone on 15 occasions to dispense fertiliser when it did not have an agricultural aircraft operator certificate,” the agency said. In addition, the FAA alleges the drone was not registered with the FAA and did not have an airworthiness certificate.
According to the FAA, the alleged violations occurred on various dates between March 2025 and April 2025.
Drone operators who fly unsafely or without permission can be fined up to USD 75,000 per violation. The FAA can also suspend or revoke their pilot’s licence.
The agency updated its enforcement policy earlier in 2026 to require legal action when drone operations endanger the public, violate airspace restrictions or are conducted in furtherance of another crime.
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