UPDATE: New York City’s infamous “Fan Man,” Johnathan Warren, has just pleaded guilty to a flying-related offense, igniting a push for advocacy on personal flight rights. In a court appearance on October 21, 2023, Warren, 40, accepted a lesser violation of disorderly conduct after being charged with felony reckless endangerment for his daring flights above the Big Apple.
Warren’s legal troubles began when he allegedly landed his $12,000 fan-powered paraglider at Calvert Vaux Park in Gravesend Bay. This incident followed his dramatic descent from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge after the New York City marathon. However, Warren maintains that his flights began and ended at the park, complying with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations regarding ultralight aircraft.
The NYPD seized Warren’s paraglider during the arrest, but by the time he appeared in Brooklyn Criminal Court, felony charges were dropped, resulting in a sentence of four days of community service. He argued that local laws hinder ultralight operations, asserting that they conflict with FAA regulations aimed at enhancing airspace safety.
Warren is now launching the Paramotor Flight Standards Association, a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for designated flying areas. He aims to meet with city officials over the winter and spring to establish legal takeoff and landing sites for fan-powered flyers. “Rather than have a big fight, I’m looking forward to setting up meetings… to hopefully get an explicit landing site or two set up next year,” he stated.
The “Fan Man” has flown between New York and New Jersey more than 30 times in his two years of flying, often soaring along the waters near Coney Island and crossing Gravesend Bay to Staten Island.
Warren is optimistic he will reclaim his paraglider now that his legal issues are resolved. He plans to remain grounded until local officials confirm the legality of his flights. “It is my belief that local laws… frustrate the intent of the FAA,” he expressed, emphasizing his commitment to making flying accessible to enthusiasts across the nation.
As Warren moves forward, he hopes to expand his advocacy group nationally, allowing fans of ultralight aircraft to explore their passion legally and safely. This developing story highlights the ongoing tension between local regulations and the rights of personal flight enthusiasts in urban environments.
