Father and Son with Weaponized Drone Battle the FAA

A father and son team is fighting the Federal Aviation Administration over use of a drone that they weaponized.

Bret Haughwout and his 19-year-old son, Austin, from Clinton, Conn., are currently in a battle with the FAA over whether they can be investigated for using a weaponized drone. The father-son duo outfitted a drone with a flamethrower and handgun, then posted videos of it in use on YouTube.

While an investigation launched by local police determined no local laws were violated, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, on behalf of the FAA, has issued subpoenas. The two men, though, are not complying with the subpoenas, objecting that their constitutional right to avoid unreasonable searches, seizures and questioning is being violated.

In an effort to determine exactly what the FAA has power to regulate, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Meyer asked the government if regulation is necessary on airborne cars after a jump or a drone flying six inches off the ground. CNN reported the responses by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Larson:

“The FAA will not have jurisdiction over a car jump … there has to be more of a consistent use. There is nothing today that allows a car to sustain flight,” and, in reference to the drone, “Any use for flight constitutes grounds for air regulation.”

Meyer is expected to make a decision in the case early next week. According to the Hartford Courant, though, Austin is currently under another investigation with the state as well, for “images of child pornography and communications where Mr. Haughwout allegedly engaged a juvenile … attempting to engage that juvenile to meet for a sexual act,” Clinton Police Sgt. Jeremiah Dunn told the Courant.

[Photo: Niall Carson/ZUMA Press/Newscom]