UPDATE: New York City’s “Fan Man,” Johnathan Warren, has just pleaded guilty to a lesser violation of disorderly conduct following a dramatic legal battle over his fan-powered flights above the city. The 40-year-old adventurer aims to advocate for the rights of ultralight aircraft enthusiasts, despite being charged with felony reckless endangerment just weeks ago.
Warren’s court appearance occurred on Saturday, October 21, 2023, after his arrest for illegally flying his $12,000 paraglider at Calvert Vaux Park on Gravesend Bay. Authorities allege he launched from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge post-New York City marathon, but Warren insists his flight began and ended at the park. The NYPD had seized his paraglider, leading to intense public interest and scrutiny.
In a surprising turn, the felony charge against Warren was dropped, allowing him to plead guilty to disorderly conduct instead. A judge sentenced him to four days of community service, but Warren is determined to continue his aerial pursuits.
He argues that his flights comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that allow ultralight aircraft in uncongested areas. However, prosecutors contend he violated city laws by flying in a park, which has sparked a debate over the legality of such activities in urban spaces.
Warren is now in the process of forming a nonprofit organization called the Paramotor Flight Standards Association. His mission: to advocate for designated landing sites for ultralight aircraft enthusiasts like himself. In an email statement, he expressed his commitment to working with city officials, stating, “Rather than have a big fight, I’m looking forward to setting up meetings over the winter and spring with various city entities to hopefully get an explicit landing site or two set up next year.”
He envisions this organization growing into a national movement, with chapters across the United States, empowering others to advocate for their right to fly. Warren is awaiting discussions with the FAA to clarify naming concerns, as his group’s title is similar to the agency’s “Flight Standards District Offices.”
Despite the legal setbacks, Warren remains hopeful about retrieving his paraglider from the NYPD and has pledged to stay grounded until local officials confirm the legality of his flights. He has logged over 30 flights between New York and New Jersey in the last two years, including scenic journeys near Coney Island and across Gravesend Bay.
This developing story highlights the intersection of aviation, urban law, and personal freedom, raising questions about the future of ultralight aviation in metropolitan areas. As Warren gears up for his advocacy efforts, many will be watching closely to see how this unfolds in the coming months.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent issue as it continues to develop.
