FAA Cracks Down on Drone Restriction Enforcement Ahead of Super Bowl LX.
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
The FAA has increased drone restriction enforcement before Super Bowl LX, issuing fines up to $36,770 and suspending licenses for unsafe and unauthorized operations.
Key Takeaways
- •FAA levied fines up to $36,770 and took license action against eight remote pilots in 2025 for unauthorized flights near major events.
- •Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium Santa Clara features a 30 nautical mile radius Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) up to 18,000 feet.
- •The 2026 enforcement policy mandates legal action for drone operations that endanger the public, violate airspace, or further a crime.
- •Maximum civil penalty for unauthorized drone flight is up to $75,000 per violation, with potential license suspension or revocation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced decisive action against unauthorized drone operations.
The agency issued a warning ahead of Super Bowl LX, held in Santa Clara, California. The FAA and FBI established strict Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for the event.
These restrictions cover Levi's Stadium and surrounding areas. Game-day TFRs can expand to a 30 nautical mile radius. Altitude limits reach up to 18,000 feet above sea level. Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to aircraft and first responders.
Increased Enforcement and Penalties
The FAA levied fines and took license action in 2025. This was for unsafe drone operations near major events. Violations also occurred near emergency response activities and restricted airspace violations.
Fines for 18 operations between 2023 and 2025 ranged from $1,771 to $36,770. A $36,770 fine was issued for flying near wildfire response aircraft. Another $20,371 fine involved operations near Mar-a-Lago restricted airspace. A $14,790 fine was levied for a drone flight near the 2023 Super Bowl.
In addition to fines, the FAA took remote pilot license suspension action. This included eight remote pilots in 2025. Incidents included a drone striking a tree at a music festival. Other license actions involved flying over people at an NFL game.
Updated Policy and National Airspace System Protection
FAA Chief Counsel Liam McKenna stressed accountability. “The FAA will take decisive action against drone operators,” McKenna said. He noted that unsafe operations create serious risks.
In 2026, the FAA updated its enforcement policy. The revised policy mandates legal action for certain violations. This applies when drone operations endanger the public. It also covers violations of airspace or other crimes. This strengthens deterrence for FAA drone restriction enforcement.
Drone operators face civil penalties up to $75,000 per violation. Enforcement can occur even without a pilot license. The agency is committed to National Airspace System protection. The public is encouraged to report unsafe drone activity. The FAA reviews and investigates all credible reports.
This heightened security posture is standard for large national events. The goal is protecting public safety and critical infrastructure. Operators must check all current TFRs before flying.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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