71-year-old Canadian tourist charged for flying drone over Florida military base

In a twist that sounds like a plot from a spy novel, a 71-year-old Canadian tourist’s drone hobby has landed him in serious legal trouble. Meet Xiao Guang Pan from Brampton, Ontario, who now faces charges for flying his drone over the highly sensitive Cape Canaveral Space Force Base in Florida.

According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Pan is accused of using his drone to snap aerial photos of restricted areas within the base on three separate occasions in January 2025. His alleged targets? Space launch complexes, a payload processing facility, a submarine wharf, and even munitions bunkers. Federal law strictly prohibits unauthorized photography of such vital defense installations.

If convicted, Pan could face up to one year in federal prison for each of the three counts. It’s a stark reminder that even seemingly innocent drone flights can have serious consequences, especially near military sites.

Pan’s passion for drone photography isn’t new. A bio on the Brampton Arts Organization’s website describes him as an “enthusiastic drone photographer/videographer” who began exploring the skies in 2019. His Instagram account showcases a variety of scenic views and cityscapes from Canada, with his latest posts from December 2024 featuring sunny Orlando, Florida.

The case has attracted the attention of multiple US security and intelligence agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the FBI. The investigation is ongoing, and Assistant US Attorney Richard Varadan is leading the prosecution.

This incident isn’t isolated. It comes on the heels of another case involving a Chinese national arrested for allegedly flying a drone over Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. These events highlight growing concerns over unauthorized drone activities near sensitive military installations.

For drone enthusiasts, Pan’s predicament serves as a cautionary tale. While capturing stunning aerial shots is a thrilling hobby, it’s crucial to be aware of and adhere to regulations, especially when flying near critical infrastructure. The skies might be inviting, but they come with rules that, if ignored, can lead to serious legal repercussions.

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