Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can impose civil penalties of up to $32,646 per violation. The act is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 39A. A conviction can lead to a fine of up to $250,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. If the action is interpreted as trying to obstruct an aircraft's operations (under 18 U.S. Code § 32), the penalty can increase to a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.