Settlement offers up to €1,350 for violations during the NATO summit
Several drone pilots violated the flight ban imposed in the days before and during the NATO summit. As a result, a total of 31 reports were filed with the Public Prosecution Service in North Holland. Having assessed these documents, the aviation public prosecutor offered 29 of the pilots the opportunity to settle the matter out of court by paying a fine ranging from €350 to €1,350*. The cases against two underage pilots were dismissed.
The amount of the settlement offered was determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the number of violations and the specific circumstances of each case. In several cases, it was suspected not only that the flying ban had been violated, but also that the drones had been flown without a valid licence and/or without the operator being registered. Drones were also flown in areas where flying was prohibited outside the NATO summit.
The reasons for flying a drone varied. Some drone pilots were carrying out professional tasks (such as installing solar panels or taking photos at weddings). Most pilots flew for recreation.
Many drone pilots stated that they were unaware of the temporary flight ban. This does not affect their liability. Drone pilots must properly prepare their flights and check which rules they must comply with. With regard to flight bans, they cannot simply rely on the information in their drone's app. Up-to-date information can be found on the GoDrone app or website, or on the government website.
The flight ban around and during the NATO summit was communicated widely through multiple channels to ensure it was well publicised. Additionally, warnings were issued stating that violation of the ban could result in a heavy fine, court summons, and confiscation of the drone.
Several pilots have already settled the transaction. Their cases have been closed. The deadline for payment for the remaining proposals has not yet expired. If pilots do not agree with the proposal, they will be summoned to court and the case will be heard in open court.
In most cases, the drone was detected using equipment and the operator was subsequently tracked down.
*Overview of proposed settlements:
- €350 for two people
- €500 for three people
- €600 for nine people
- €650 for one person
- €750 for one person
- €850 for two people
- €1,000 for five people
- €1,100 for three people
- €1,350 for three people