Media Mention
Adams & Reese Attorney Explains FAA’s New DETER Program in Article for Autonomy Global
Published: May 7, 2026
Adams & Reese Counsel and member of the Aviation & Aerospace Practice Group, Courtney Freeman, authored an article for Autonomy Global examining the FAA’s new Drone Expedited and Targeted Enforcement Response (DETER) program. The article explains that DETER, published in the Federal Register on April 17, 2026, is an expedited settlement program designed to increase and accelerate enforcement actions against small Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators who violate FAA regulations.
What Is DETER?
Under the program, operators can accept a significantly reduced civil penalty or shortened certificate suspension in exchange for a quick resolution, rather than navigating the full FAA legal enforcement process. Freeman notes that DETER builds on the FAA's January 2026 update to Enforcement Order 2150.3C, which stripped most UAS violations of eligibility for simple compliance actions and routed the majority of drone infractions to formal legal enforcement. The program's timing is tied to upcoming high-profile events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America's 250th birthday celebration, and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
What Drone Pilots Need to Know
The program applies only to small UAS operators whose aircraft weigh less than 55 pounds at takeoff. It is available exclusively to first-time offenders and may be used only once. Freeman explains that certain violations are excluded, including alcohol- or drug-related offenses, weaponized drone operations, criminal activity, violations of Temporary Flight Restrictions under Part 91.141, egregious conduct, and operations demonstrating a lack of qualifications.
The Catch
Freeman emphasizes the significant trade-offs involved in participating, such as operators must waive their right to appeal the Violation Notice, waive the right to recover legal fees, waive the right to challenge the debt amount, relinquish any cause of action against FAA personnel, and admit liability. She advises that any drone operator who receives notice of an alleged violation should consult an aviation attorney before responding to the FAA, stressing that understanding one's options before acting could significantly affect the outcome.
