Drone operator fined $270K by FAA for harassing unhoused people

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a $270,000 fine against Henry “Hank” Borunda, a Colorado-based real estate developer whose viral “BumsNDrones” social media accounts depict his drones harassing the local homeless population.

The videos, which initially circulated on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), have drawn condemnation from drone advocates, homeless organizations, and the FAA for Borunda’s alleged 232 regulatory violations. This case, which has seen Borunda repeatedly flouting both legal and ethical boundaries, marks one of the more egregious examples of improper drone use, as outlined in a detailed FAA report obtained by Pueblo Chieftain.

FAA cites 232 violations in year-long investigation

The FAA investigation, conducted between August 2022 and December 2023, found Borunda repeatedly breaking various drone regulations, including flying without proper certification, operating drones over people, and conducting nighttime flights without safety lighting.

Drone regulations, particularly those concerning operating near people and nighttime flights, are in place to prevent accidents and injuries from drone propellers. In one case, Borunda allegedly flew his drone so close to an individual’s head that it caused the person to duck. Another incident involved the drone “chasing” someone walking on the sidewalk, with additional allegations of objects being dropped on people from the drone.

FAA attorney Marissa Harrison, who penned the 15-page penalty letter, outlined these alleged infractions and stated the agency’s willingness to settle for $270,000. Borunda was given until October 30 to either pay the fine or provide additional information, although it remains unclear whether he has contested the findings.

Public outcry and drone safety concerns

Drone expert Vic Moss, representing Unmanned Aircraft System Colorado, has criticized Borunda’s actions. “We are drone ambassadors, so we need to fly friendly, and obviously this guy ain’t,” Moss said. He stressed the inherent dangers of flying drones near people, especially given recent incidents where drones have caused injuries in crowds. For instance, when a drone crashed at a Boston Celtics event last month, it led to two people getting injured.

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Moss explained that FAA regulations prohibit flying drones directly over people without specific certifications and waivers. Borunda, lacking any FAA certification for commercial drone operation, would be required at minimum to have passed The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) to legally fly a drone. Yet, the FAA report highlights instances where Borunda not only disregarded these rules but allegedly posted about and boasted of his actions online.

The videos, which feature unwitting individuals reacting to a hovering drone, have garnered mixed reactions online. While some followers of Borunda’s social media accounts praise the antics, many drone pilots and community members denounce the content as both reckless and unethical. “I have over 33,000 drone pilots in my group, and I cannot think of a single one that will think this is funny,” Moss said.

Social media restrictions, but new accounts resurface

Borunda’s social media accounts on platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok were banned following reports of community guideline violations earlier this year. However, Borunda appears to have circumvented these bans by creating new accounts under similar names, such as “@bumsndronesco” on TikTok, where he would post comparable content. A recent video, for instance, showed a person swinging a bike lock cable at a drone, a post that quickly gained traction with over 600 likes and numerous comments. However, this account also appears to have been removed now.

Borunda’s X account, nevertheless, remains active, boasting over 21,000 followers. Similarly, his Instagram account has resumed posting content after the original account, which reportedly had 1.3 million followers, was banned. These recurring violations and platform workarounds highlight ongoing challenges social media companies face in enforcing guidelines against harmful content.

The FAA is reportedly aware of Borunda’s continued posts and activities but has not yet released further information on potential new investigations or penalties. FAA spokesperson Jillian Angeline has confirmed that the agency is limited in its ability to comment on active investigations but emphasized the FAA’s commitment to safety and regulation enforcement.

As federal scrutiny intensifies, Borunda’s case serves as a cautionary tale for drone operators who may consider crossing legal and ethical boundaries for online notoriety. “The FAA is a safety and education agency, not a punitive one,” Moss pointed out, “but if you ignore the FAA, they will do something like this.”

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