SentenceCalc

Interfering with a Flight Crew Sentence Calculator

This page covers cases where a person interfered with a flight crew or transit, or flew a drone unsafely. Federal sentences for interfering with a flight crew are calculated under §2A5.2 of the Sentencing Guidelines, which sets a starting offense level from 9 to 30 depending on the kind of offense, then adds levels for the facts of the case. At the first starting point in the table below (level 9) alone, someone with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 0–6 months under the guidelines.

Verified Checked against the manual text in at least five AI-assisted review rounds. Not yet reviewed by an attorney. Guidelines Manual effective November 1, 2025Updated October 4, 2026

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Starting level and typical ranges

These ranges use the starting level alone, before any of the facts listed below, for someone with no criminal record unless the column says otherwise. Most real cases add levels.

Starting pointLevelTrialGuilty pleaPlea + zero-pointCategory IV, plea
What did the offense involve: None of the situations below94–10 months0–6 monthsn/a8–14 months
What did the offense involve: Recklessly endangered the safety of an airport, aircraft, or mass transit facility or vehicle1827–33 months18–24 monthsn/a30–37 months
What did the offense involve: Intentionally endangered the safety of an airport, aircraft, or mass transit facility or vehicle3097–121 months70–87 monthsn/a100–125 months

The 2-level zero-point reduction is generally not available for this kind of offense, because it usually involves violence, a credible threat or a weapon (§4C1.1(a)(3), (a)(7)).

What changes the sentence

Each of these facts moves the offense level under §2A5.2. Adjustments that apply to every offense, such as role in the offense, obstruction, a guilty plea and criminal history, come after these.

FactEffectRule
Was there a dangerous weapon: A weapon was shown, or its use was threatened+3, at least level 24§2A5.2(b)(1)
Was there a dangerous weapon: A weapon was used in some other way+4, at least level 24§2A5.2(b)(1)
Was there a dangerous weapon: A gun was fired+5, at least level 24§2A5.2(b)(1)

Important details

  • If someone died, the closest homicide guideline applies if it gives a higher level (§2A5.2(c)(1)).
  • If the offense involved having, or threatening to use, a nuclear, chemical or biological weapon or other weapon of mass destruction, §2M6.1 applies if it gives a higher level (§2A5.2(c)(2)).
  • If an assault occurred and safety was also endangered, the higher of the two starting levels is used (§2A5.2(a)).
  • The calculator does not apply mandatory minimum sentences set by statute for this offense. If the statute of conviction requires one and it is higher than the range shown, the minimum controls; check the statute or ask a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

What is the base offense level for interfering with a flight crew?

The guideline for interfering with a flight crew is §2A5.2 of the federal Sentencing Guidelines. Before any adjustments, its starting level depends on the facts: from level 9 to level 30. The table on this page lists each starting point. In some cases the starting level is taken from another offense instead; the calculator asks when that applies.

What is the guideline range for interfering with a flight crew with no criminal history points and a guilty plea?

Using the first starting point in the table on this page (level 9) alone, a person with no criminal history points who pleads guilty scores 0–6 months. The facts listed under “What changes the sentence” can add levels, and the judge can sentence outside the range.

Is probation possible for interfering with a flight crew?

The guidelines allow it at the first starting point in the table: with a guilty plea the range begins at 0 months (Zone A), so prison is not required, unless the offense is a Class A or B felony or the statute rules probation out (§5B1.1(b)). Added facts can raise the range out of Zone A.

Is the calculator accurate for interfering with a flight crew?

It follows §2A5.2 of the Guidelines Manual effective November 1, 2025. It passed 6 review rounds, each comparing every number, rule and label with the manual text, and its last round found nothing to correct. Those reviews were done with AI tools, not by lawyers, and it has not yet been reviewed by an attorney, so mistakes are possible. The guidelines are advisory, and a lawyer who knows the case can tell you what actually applies.