In addition to what Astro14 related, I feel compelled to mention there is another level of enforcement below the FAA (which is more than administrative, but Civil enforcement also, hence the $$,$$$,$$$ fines and civil penalties), but state and local law enforcement.
As a state conservation officer for 24yrs, (I’m also a Commercial, CFI, CFII,MEI) I had several occasions to deal with illegal operations involving aircraft.
In Alaska, and several other states, it is a FELONY, to harass, pursue , or take big game animals with the use of an aircraft, or hunt big game in the same 24hr period as occupying an aircraft. (ie: scouting, locating, spotting).
It’s also a felony to operate an aircraft in a reckless or dangerous manner. Specifically if it results in an injury or fatality. It’s also illegal under most (if not all) state laws to operate under the influence.
So yeah! The game warden is likely to show up at your bush hogged airstrip at the most inopertune time! In Alaska, they are also State Troopers, and most are pilots with issue aircraft…
Also Federal Aviation regulations require pilots upon request of any state, Federal, or local law enforcement agents to provide ID, and requested certificates (Pilot and medical) (it’s a certificate, not a Pilot’s “license”).
I was on several occasions summoned to local airports, including a private airstrip to investigate various complaints and on two occasions made arrests for operating under the influence. I also assisted two of my previousflight students who were a Sheriff deputy, and another, a State Trooper, who requested assistance. In another instance I assisted an out of state agency investigate a death resulting from an unauthorized operation of an aircraft by a fired flight instructor (whom I knew) who killed his girlfriend who walked into a moving propellor, attempting to remove a wheel chock. He washed the aircraft, ramp, and hid her body in a barrel, 200yds from the runway in a densely wooded area at a rural airport. FAA revoked his certificates, and he did 12mos on a 5yr conviction for concealing a death, and unauthorized use of the aircraft. (Plea bargained). It wasn’t the first time he had joy ridden a plane… They are VERY easy to steal, if you know what you’re doing…
So, that’s what prevents you from unauthorized operation of an aircraft. The FAA official position is that the regulations are “self enforcing”, meaning that someone has to complain or you manage to “tell on yourself “.
Besides, one of my former students was photographed in a staged photo that appeared he was buzzing a group at a beach (at a Lake I won’t mention). He was actually 200’ above them and 200’ offset as previously arranged (an important fact). However, the photo was staged to appear that one of the party members had his hand up and was skimmed by the landing gear on the Cessna 180.
It was posted on a Facebook page, and got many views! It also attracted a call by an FAA Inspector from the local FSDO! (Flight Standards District Office). He had to either ask for an administrative hearing with a judge (a Civil enforcement proceeding) or provide a written statement regarding the incident within 10days and agree to a non punitive resolution. He provided a DETAILED statement and received a nice response stating that they concluded that though he demonstrated poor judgement, but no further action was warranted. Just a (another!) letter in his file…
So, beware, big brother IS watching…
And I could go on, and on, with other happenings…
So, you might get away with things, until something happens, or someone talks….
And… Ever hear of “Google Earth”. Likely there’s an online picture of that bush hogged landing strip…
Among poachers, there is the admonition of SSS. Shoot? Shovel! and Shutup!