The Los Angeles City Attorney filed criminal cases against two drone pilots on Wednesday for allegedly flying their drones in controlled airspace.

The charges are the first under a new city ordinance that restricts drone flights to less than 400 feet, during daylight hours and not within 5 miles of an airport. The rules mirror Federal Aviation Administration regulations and carry a maximum penalty of up to $1,000 in fines and six months in prison.

In each incident, the drones in question were spotted by a Los Angeles Police Dept. helicopter.

Both Michael Ponce, 20, and Arvel Chappell, 35, were charged with flying above 400 feet and within 5 miles of an airport. Chappell was also charged with flying at night.

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