I flew my DJI drone over a packed football stadium to get “cinematic B-roll.” I posted it on TikTok. The FAA saw it (using AI monitoring) and sent me a civil penalty letter for $25,000 for flying over people and in a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) zone. Also, the stadium is suing me for trespass.
Key Takeaways
- The Aviation Exclusion: Standard General Liability policies exclude “Aircraft,” and drones count as aircraft. You have zero coverage under a normal policy.
- Drone Insurance (Aviation Liability): You need a specific drone policy (SkyWatch, Verifly) that covers “Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).”
- Fines are Uninsurable: Insurance covers the lawsuit from the stadium (trespass/nuisance). It does NOT pay the $25,000 FAA fine. You pay that.
- Intentional Acts: Flying over a stadium is often a known violation. If the insurer proves you “knowingly” violated FAA rules, they can deny even the liability coverage.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Aircraft” Definition
Read your General Liability policy.
Exclusion g. Aircraft, Auto or Watercraft.
“This insurance does not apply to ‘bodily injury’ or ‘property damage’ arising out of the ownership, maintenance, use or entrustment to others of any aircraft…”
Without a “Drone Endorsement” or a separate policy, you are flying naked.
[IMAGE: Map of a “Geofenced” No-Fly Zone over a stadium]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked, “I’m facing fines and a lawsuit for drone flying.”
1. SkyWatch.AI
- The Verdict: Excellent drone liability. You can buy it by the hour or month.
- The Limit: Up to $10M liability.
- The Fine: They confirmed they do not pay FAA civil penalties.
2. Verifly
- The Verdict: On-demand app. Great for specific shoots.
- The Catch: Policy voids if you fly “illegally” (e.g., night flying without a waiver, or over crowds without a waiver).
3. Personal Umbrella
- The Verdict: Denied. Business use of a drone is excluded.
Comparison Table
| Risk | Standard GL | Drone Liability (SkyWatch) |
| Drone crashes into car | No | Yes |
| Invasion of Privacy (Spying) | No | Yes (usually) |
| FAA Fine ($25k) | No | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get Part 107 Certified: If you monetize the footage, you legally need a Part 107 license. Without it, you are negligent per se.
- Check B4UFLY App: Always check for TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) before flying. Stadiums are always TFRs during games.
- Buy On-Demand Insurance: For high-risk flights, buy a
10Mpolicyforthehour(10Mpolicyforthehour(20). - Negotiate the Fine: The FAA often reduces fines for first-time offenders who show contrition and take a safety course.
FAQ
Can I fly over people?
Only if you have a Remote ID compliant drone and follow the “Category” rules (prop guards, weight limits). Generally, no.
What if I blur the faces?
Privacy isn’t the only issue; safety is. A falling drone kills.
Does homeowners insurance cover my drone?
Only for “Hobby” use. Once you post to YouTube for money, it’s business use. Coverage void.