FAA Calls For Nearly $2 Million Fine Against Drone Company SkyPan

(CBS) -- The Federal Aviation Agency says they're hitting a Chicago drone company with a record fine of nearly $2 million.

CBS 2's Audrina Bigos has more on the unprecedented lawsuit.

The perfect shot comes with a steep cost. That is, if it's illegal.

"Now we're seeing if the FAA can catch and fine and they're going to do that in the biggest way to make a statement here," said DePaul professor and transportation expert Joe Schwieterman.

The target? SkyPan, a company that the FAA says made more than 65 unauthorized drones between March of 2012 and December 2014.

43 of the drones, according to the FAA, were flown in what's called Class B airspace, which is 10,000 square feet around busiest airports, in this case Chicago and New York.

"You need that environment protected," said DePaul professor Joseph Schwieterman. "You have lots of navigation issues. You have flight paths established. You have a drone flying through that. It's a recipe for disaster."

In this case, the FAA says SkyPan was careless, reckless and put lives in danger. CBS 2 contact SkyPan, who responded, "We have not had a chance to view the civil case against us yet so until we are able to do so, we are not making any statements."

The Chicago drone community is surely watching this case closely.

"It really sends a message to people who are operating with these exemptions for commercial purposes to really always follow the rules," said drone consultant John Kolaczinski.

SkyPan has 30 days to respond to this lawsuit. CBS 2 checked and the latest company the FAA went after was able to settle for a lower fine.