FCC Keeps HobbyKing Drone Fine in What Rosenworcel Calls a Signal

Commissioners upheld 4-0 a $2.86 million fine against HobbyKing for marketing drone transmitters not approved under FCC equipment authorization rules (see 2007240044). HobbyKing allegedly sold devices that use a video link between transmitters on unmanned aircraft systems and users flying drones. “These devices must have obtained certification through the FCC’s equipment authorization process based on their operating parameters,” the agency said Thursday. FCC investigators found HobbyKing sold 65 models that required but didn’t get agency approval. The company didn’t comment. “The marketing of this equipment was especially egregious because the devices threatened to interfere with critical FAA systems and other federal operations and were never capable of being certified,” said Josh Zeldis, Enforcement Bureau attorney-adviser. Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said that it's “a notice to all others that we take our policies protecting our airwaves seriously.”