Drone Laws

USA Drone REgulations

All air traffic, including that of drones, in the United States is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Large businesses like Google, Amazon, and big oil companies, and small businesses and hobby enthusiasts, have been pushing for relaxed regulations that would allow for broad commercial uses of drone technology as well as fewer restrictions for hobby flying.

To address the increasing demand for drones, the FAA is re-evaluating its regulations on drone use in America. As it stands, the FAA has proposed lighter restrictions but the proposed regulations would still make it prohibitive for businesses like Amazon and Google to be able to use drones to deliver packages, as well as companies like Marathon and BP to use drones to inspect pipelines in remote areas.

 

 

 

 

FAA Drone REGULATIONS

 

 

Some regulations were implemented before civil drone use was “on the FAA’s radar”:

·         Drones cannot be used for commercial purposes, or the completion of a job task or a task that produces revenue.

·         Drones can only be flown by line of sight, which means you cannot fly in a first person view or with any other sort of technological assistance.

·         You cannot fly above 400 feet, within 5 miles of an airport, above government buildings, or in national parks.

 

 

 

 

PROPOSED Faa drone regulations

 

 

Following is a list of the newly proposed operational limitations for drones (or UAS):

·         Unmanned aircraft must weigh less than 55 lbs. (25 kg)

·         Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) only; the unmanned aircraft must remain within VLOS of the operator or visual observer.

·         At all times the small unmanned aircraft must remain close enough to the operator for the operator to be capable of seeing the aircraft with vision unaided by any device other than corrective lenses.

·         Small unmanned aircraft may not operate over any persons not directly involved in the operation.

·         Daylight-only operations (official sunrise to official sunset, local time).

·         Must yield right-of-way to other aircraft, manned or unmanned.

·         May use visual observer (VO) but not required.

·         First-person view camera cannot satisfy “see-and-avoid” requirement but can be used as long as requirement is satisfied in other ways.

·         Maximum airspeed of 100 mph (87 knots).

·         Maximum altitude of 500 feet above ground level.

·         Minimum weather visibility of 3 miles from control station.

·         No operations are allowed in Class A (18,000 feet & above) airspace.

·         Operations in Class B, C, D and E airspace are allowed with the required ATC permission.

·         Operations in Class G airspace are allowed without ATC permission.

·         No person may act as an operator or VO for more than one unmanned aircraft operation at one time.

·         No careless or reckless operations.

·         Requires pre-flight inspection by the operator.

·         A person may not operate a small unmanned aircraft if he or she knows or has reason to know of any physical or mental condition that would interfere with the safe operation of a small UAS.

·         Proposes a micro UAS option that would allow operations in Class G airspace, over people not involved in the operation, provided the operator certifies he or she has the requisite aeronautical knowledge to perform the operation.

 

 

  Drone LAWS canada

The definition of a model aircraft: less than 77.2 pounds, individually owned (no companies allowed) and not profit-seeking. If an aircraft meets these conditions, it is considered a recreational vehicle, making it subject to lower scrutiny. Aircraft that don’t meet this criteria are officially “unmanned aerial vehicles” and require Special Flight Operations certificates.

 

 

DO NOT FLY:

 

• Closer than 9 km from any airport, heliport, or aerodrome.

 

• Higher than 90 metres above the ground.

 

• Closer than 150 metres from people, animals, buildings, structures, or vehicles.

 

• In populated areas or near large groups of people, including sporting events, concerts, festivals, and firework shows.

 

• Near moving vehicles, highways, bridges, busy streets or anywhere you could endanger or distract drivers.

 

• Within restricted and controlled airspace, including near or over military bases, prisons, and forest fires.

 

• Anywhere you may interfere with first responders.

Drones under 1kg can be flown for any purpose without permission and without informing Transport Canada, the aviation regulator. Drones that weigh more than 1kg and below 25kg can be flown if Transport Canada is informed of the type and location of flight.

Drones being used for work or research that weigh more than 25kg or recreational drones weighing over 35kg can only be flown with a Special Flight Operations Certificate. All flights must stay below 90 meters, within line of site, far from airports, populated areas, and moving vehicles. “Work or research” drone operators must have $100,000 liability insurance, and all drones must give right-of-way to manned aircraft.

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS Mexico

As of April 8th, 2015 Mexico’s Transportation Department has established three classes of drones according to size:

 

 

Micro UAV: UAVs in this category weigh 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or less. Micro UAVs can be flown without authorization from the FAA, but if used for commercial activities they should have third party liability insurance, among other conditions (NOTE - Google translate may be incorrect - this very well may be mandatory). They can be flown up to 400 feet above ground level and no more than 1,500 feet from the operator within visual line of site. Micro UAVs must be made of brittle materials and be flown below a sliding speed limit depending on weight.

 

 

       

Light UAVs: UAVs in this category weigh between 2 kilograms and 25 kilograms (55 pounds). Light UAVs flown for recreational purposes can only be flown on the grounds of a recognized model aircraft club. Light UAVs flown for commercial purposes must be registered with the FAA and must display license plates. In addition, each individual commercial UAV flight must be authorized by the FAA beforehand. All light UAVs must be flown below 100 miles per hour, and below 500 feet above ground level.

 

 

Heavy UAVs: UAVs in this category weigh over 25 kilograms. Heavy UAVs must adhere to all the rules that apply to light drones. In addition, heavy UAVs must follow the terms and conditions approved by the DGAC. Heavy UAV operators must have a pilot's license.

 

 

**Note - the names of these categories are not official. Refer to your UAV by it's weight when dealing with local authorities.

 

 

 

The following regulations apply to ALL UAV classes:

 

Each weight class is regulated distinctly for recreational and commercial use only.

 

Operations are permitted only in daylight (unless a written exception is granted from the FAA), and in areas not classified as prohibited, restricted, or dangerous.

All UAVs must stay 9.2 kilometers (5.72 miles) away from controlled airports, 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) away from uncontrolled airfields, and 900 meters (985 yards) from helicopter pads.

All UAVs must not drop objects that may cause damage to people or property.

 

UAVs cannot be flown over people or animals. Operators, whether individuals or corporations are required to respect all laws and regulations, both federal and local.

 

The UAV pilot must always keep direct eye contact with the UAV (line of sight).

DRONE LAWS Brazil

As of now it is forbidden to fly multi-copters / drones commercially within Brazil. The ANAC is working to build a Brazilian legislation which will allow a legal certification process. For now (ANAC & MD) rules include: Possible experimental flights if granted permission (for non-commercial purposes).

 

 

2. UAVs / Drones flown in distant places far from populated areas.

3. Flights BVR (FPV only) is forbidden.

4. The operation of model aircraft is forbidden near Airports and Military Installations.

 

In addition, flights must:

 

- remain below 400ft AGL

- be within VLOS

 

The Brazilian law allows flights for sport and hobby under the law DAC n° 207/STE, 7 apri1 1999.

In April 2015, Brazilian Civil Aviation Secretary Rafael Jose Botelho said

That a streamlined and enforceable UAV law would be rolled out by mid

2015, prior to the 2016 Olympic Games. Consultative process into UAS legislation was launched in 2013 and is ongoing. Pending regulations

expected to permit drones under25 kg to fly up to 400 feet in Brazilian

airspace.

 

 

 

The latest iteration of the drone laws are as follows:

 

Class 1 (above 150 kg)– Aircraft must be certified by ANAC, be registered

in the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry (RAB) and pilots must have the

Aeronautical Medical Certificate(CMA), permit and license. All flights

must be registered.

 

Class 2 (25-50 kg)– Aircraft need not be certified, but manufacturers must

comply with all necessary technical requirements, and have the project

approved by the Agency. It should also be registered with the RAB, and

pilots must have CMA, license and permits. All flights should also be

registered.

 

Class 3 (less than 25 kg)–

 

If operated up to 400 feet above ground level

(appropriately-120 meters) and in visual line of sight, the RPA will only require a simple registration (operator and equipment information). CMA will not be required, nor registry of the flights. Pilot license and permits will only be required for those wishing to operate above 400 feet. Operation of RPAs up to 25 kg may only occur at a minimum distance of 30 meters from a person. The distance may be less in the case of consenting persons (those who expressly agree to the operation) and persons involved in the operation. In urban areas and rural settlements, operation should not exceed 200 feet above ground level (approximately 60 meters).

 

 

Minimum age–

 

RPA pilots for all three classes must be at least 18 years old.

 

 

Insurance–

 

Will be required to secure third party damage coverage for all RPAs (all three classes), except for government security and civil defense agencies.

 

 

Illegal activities or invasion of privacy– 

 

Illegal activities or invasion of privacy using RPAs will naturally be dealt with by the relevant law enforcement authorities.

 

 

 

Civil defense and public security–

 

Public security and civil defense agencies can operate in any areas, at their own responsibility (or an operator at their service), with due compliance to the proposed rules. These operations do not need to have insurance to cover damages to third parties.

 

 

Model aircraft–

 

In the case of model aircraft (which are intended for recreation), there is no need for authorization from ANAC, but they should be subject to the minimum distance of 30 meters from non-consenting people. In the case of consenting people (who expressly agree), this distance need not be observed. Under the proposal, there is no minimum age for model aircraft pilots or compulsory insurance against damage to third parties.

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS Argentina

 

Resolution 527/2015, states, in essence, for RPAS < 10 kg:

- Height max 400 ft AGL (122m)

- Height max 140 ft AGL below controlled airspace

- 5km away from runways, 1km away from VFR/helicopter corridors

- VLOS

- EVLOS, max 1 km between observers

- Operation Manual and Safety Management System documented

- No flight over populated areas (unless in segregated area)

- Daylight operations

- Registration and Identification required (LV-xxx identification)

- Medical fitness, theory and practice certificates are required

- No simultaneous flights allowed

- Flight in restricted areas needs Flight Plan approval.

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS Dominican republic

Drones under 4.4 pounds do not require an authorization to be flown. These must be made out of flexible material so that they would break on contact with persons or objects. These should not be flown higher than 1500 ft and no further than 455 meters from the pilot operating the drone.

Resolution No. 008-2015 (07/20/2015)

That regulates the use and operation of remote aircraft systems (RPAS) or drones in the national territory

The resolution is marked with the number 008-2015, signed by Dr. Alejandro Herrera, general director of the IDAC, protected by Law 491-06, which gives him responsibility for the issuance of rules and regulations that promote safety.

Unmanned aircraft weighing less than 4.4 pounds will not require authorization from the IDAC Operations Department, although they must meet certain conditions. As the fact of being constructed with flexible materials, which in contact with objects or people can be broken or distorted and they must not exceed 1,500 feet, 455 meters, away in flight with your operator. The website of the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC) was last checked in April 2016.

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS Chile

 

In general:

 

Maximum Take-ogg Mass (MTOM) 9 kg (not considering the parachute weight)

Only RPAS manufactured are allowed, with technical instructions and operating instructions (no home-made RPAS).

RPAS must have a serial number, or shall be recorded at the DGAC.

RPAS must have a parachute during operation

RPAS must be controllable at any time manually (not be fully automatic).

Authorization required by DGAC to fly (registration card, pilot credentials, insurance).

Authorization is valid without limit (or until suspended or cancelled).

Day and VMC flight only.

VLOS

>2km from airport runway axis extension

>1km from the runway itself

One UAV at a time

Max 500m range horizontally

Max 400 m AGL

No object dropping.

No operation in firefighting areas.

If autonomy is less than 60 min, the discharge cannot be more than 80% of the battery capacity.

20m over non-participating people

30m range from non-participating people.

Pilot certificate valid 12months (18 years old, theoretical training, practice exam on specific model, written exam on DAN 151 / DAN 91 / Meteo /Aerodynamics).

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS uk

In short no higher than 400ft no further than 500m always in visual line of sight. Not closer than 50m to buildings or people or not within 150m of congested spaces and crowds. Seek permission from the land owner where you are operating from. Good practice to have 3rd party liability insurance and none of this can be done for commercial gain without Permission for Aerial Work PfAW from the CAA. Certification to achieve PfAW will cost in the region of £2k.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS ireland

The Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drones) and Rockets Order, 2015 (SI 563 of 2015) contains a number of limitations for the operation of drones.

 

These include never operating a drone:

 

• If it will be a hazard to another aircraft in flight.

 

• Over an assembly of people - 12 persons or more.

 

• Further than 300m from the person operating the drone.

 

• Within 30m of any person, vessel or structure not under the control of the person operating the drone.

 

• Closer than 5km from an aerodrome.

 

• In a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or property of others.

 

 

• Over 400ft (120m) above ground level.

 

• Over urban areas.

 

• In civil or military controlled airspace.

 

• In restricted areas (e.g. military installations, prisons, etc.).

 

• Unless the person operating the drone has permission from the landowner for take-off and landing.

 

 

If you wish to fly your drone outside the limits prescribed in the regulations you must apply for a Specific Operating Permission (SOP) from the IAA following training with one of the IAA Registered Training Facilities (RTF). Please see www.iaa.ie/rtf for a list of training facilities.

All drones over 1kg and drones operated above 15m (50ft), must be registered with the IAA. This includes the weight of the battery and all attached equipment. You can register your drone via the IAA website at www.iaa.ie/drones.

DRONE LAWS france

The use of drone in France is submitted to 2 laws:

 

 

1. The 17 December 2015 law about the conception of UAV.

 

http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/jo_pdf_frame- conception.pdf

 

 

2. The 17 December 2015 law about the use of UAV in aerial space.

 

http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/jo_pdf_frame- condition.pdf

 

Both links of French Transports Ministry Use of drone for recreation purposes:

 

General guidelines here is a quick resume of French law:

 

You need to have a spotter in sky, aircraft need to be in sight of view, Fly only under150 meters, Fly only in daytime (no night fly allowed), don't fly in urban areas, don't fly above animals groups or peoples, don't fly in restricted areas.

 

 

 

10 main rules are needed to ensure people and other’s safety for recreational purposes:

 

1- Do not fly over people

 

2- Respect the maximum flight heights.

 

3- I never lose sight of my drone and I do not use it at night.

 

4- I do not fly my drone over public spaces in urban areas.

 

5- I never use my drone anywhere near airfields or airports.

 

6- I never fly over sensitive areas or protected sites.

 

7- I always respect other people’s privacy.

 

8- I do not broadcast my aerial pictures or videos without the consent of the concerned persons and I do not make any commercial use out of it.

 

9- I check the terms of my insurance policy concerning this activity.

 

10- When in doubt, I ask for more information.

 

 

Links: French Transports Ministry

 

http://www.developpementdurable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Notice_drones_2016_GB_VFF_new_web.pdf

 

http://www.developpement durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/Guide_Aeromodlisme_v1- 0.pdf

 

 

 

 

Commercial uses:

 

To fly commercially you’ll need to be a domicile French operator that owns a pilot license (theoretical part only): Private Pilot (PPL) pilot glider or micro light. The French law defines 7 different categories for different air crafts and distinguishes areas in 4 different zones. And then to declare to DSAC (http://www.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/IMG/pdf/carte_France_OM_DSAC_.pdf) that you are a commercial operator of UAV. You’ll need to obtain flight approvals for each flight scenario depending of your UAV characteristics. You’ll need different flight approvals like a authorization prior each flight scenario.

Civil remote piloted aircraft are split into seven categories, primarily dependent on mass. Except for special cases, rules are split into 4 scenarios. Regardless of the purpose of the UAV flight, visual line of site operations are allowed for drones under25kg in mass below 150m over unpopulated areas and for under4kg of mass over populated areas. Beyond visual line of sight operations are allowed without distance limitations for Drones under2kg flying under 150m, and within a 1km radius for drones of 25kg or less flying under 50m. All operations are forbidden in the vicinity of airports and subject to prior authorization over populated areas. Illegal UAV operation can carry a maximum sentence of a year in prison, as well as a $90,000 fine.

Use of drone for commercial purposes: To fly commercially you’ll need to be a domicile French operator that owns a pilot license (theoretical part only): Private Pilot (PPL) of plane, helicopter, glider or micro-light.

The French law defines 7 different categories for UAV (depending on mass) and 4 types of flight scenarios areas.

 

S1: out of city, visual flight, maximum elevation of 150 meters and maximum distance of 200 meters

 

S2: out of city, visual flight, maximum elevation of 150 meters (under 2 kg) or 50 meters (above 2kg) and maximum distance of 1000 meters

 

S3: inside city, visual flight, maximum elevation of 150 meters and maximum distance of 100 meters, parachute needed if above 2 kg a security perimeter is needed between 30 to 50 meters. An administrative approval of Prefectural Governor is needed before the urban flight.

 

S4: out of city, no-visual flight, maximum elevation of 150 meters and unlimited distance, maximum 2 kg, Tele-pilot need 100h of flight on plane, glide or helicopter. Night flights are forbidden in any case.

Recent update of French UAV law:

 

The French Parliament passed a law which hardens appreciably the rules of use of drones. All the drones weighing more than 800 grams will have to be registered and endowed with a device of sound and bright description. Besides, his user will have to have done a training course of "Tele-pilot".

Finally, the text creates a new offence of flying over an identical zone "by clumsiness or carelessness". According to The Echos, a project of European regulations based on the type of use and not the weight could override the French law in the summer, 2018.

 

https://www.gifas.asso.fr/liste-synthese-de-presse/?c=4136

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS Norway

 

 

 

 

In Norway you must obtain two permits to fly commercially: Aerial

Photography permits from The National Security Authority.

 

2. RPAS license from the Norwegian CAA (Will take approx. 6 months to

get an answer). For the RPAS license you will also have to make a manual for how you will operate. Someone who's applying right now wrote a 72+ page manual.

 

ALL aerial photography or filming requires an Aerial photography permit from The National Security Authority (NSM). There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule. It applies to non-commercial use as well.

Remote devices that are supposed to move in the air and not used solely for recreation, sport or competition will be aircraft covered by RPAS-term.

This means that the rules that apply to manned aircraft, even in principle, apply to RPAS Operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS sweden

 

Private and recreational use is allowed. But not in Airspace Control area (CTR) Around airports.

You need permission for all commercial or mission operations, for research or tests for such operations and for operations out of sight from the pilot (No-VLOS are not allowed). You don't need permission for recreation/hobby flights.

 

Permit to fly is granted by

Transport styrelsen, www.transportstyrelsen.se, based on specific national rules, for a yearly fee.

 

On 2016 October 21st, The Supreme Administrative Court of Sweden announced a ban of drones flying without a permit.

 

The industry raised major concerns over that surprising decision, which goes against the European current proposed rules. On 2016 December 21st, it was announced that a modification of the law would be made in summer 2017.

DRONE LAWS czech republic

 

Non-commercial use seems to be acceptable. For commercial use you have to be licensed by CAA (UCL) and need to be insured. Your UAV needs to be certified, each pilot has to be certified. It takes 4-6 months to get the certification. Certifications from other countries are not accepted. Two weight category up to 7kg (you set safe distance from people and properties), 7-20kg no closer than 150m from people and properties. No flying in towns, over people and properties. You can fly over people only if under your control, only visual VLOS, No FPV, no GPS map flying.

Permit to fly is granted by NAA, based on specific national rules, possibly on a case-to-case basis & for a limited duration.

 

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS Austria

 

Since 01/01/2014 strict laws regarding the flying of multi copters have gone into effect in Austria. The law distinguishes areas in 4 different zones. Open nature spaces, spaces with few buildings such as farm buildings, areas with a few buildings like houses, and areas with a many buildings such as cities. Each area has different legal requirements. This includes takeoff weight, legal approval, and for the last two zones a license to fly plus an official license for the multi copter itself. The multi copter needs to have redundant electronics. This means automatic fail over to a second flight control, etc. To get this license you will need Austrian flight law training plus a certification of your model and every part that is being used. Cost to get certified (including legal training) is about €1000.

Permit to Fly is granted by NAA, based on specific national rules, possibly on a case-to-case basis & for a limited duration.

 

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS slovakia

Generally VLOS,

·         distance 1000m maximum from operator

·         min 50m from people, vehicles, buildings, except if involved in operation out of controlled areas and out of noise sensitive areas

·         UAVs cannot be used for the carriage of persons, baggage, cargo and mail.

·         Day operations only

·         100m/AGL No flight over water or communication lines or people gathered

·         Aerial work can be performed only with a permit issued by the transport authority.

·         License to perform aerial work and the decision on determining the conditions are given under following conditions: UAV registration of the transport authority ,

·         training the person who will operate the UAV (pilot / operator)

·         theoretical and practical examination of the pilot / operator in the transport authority,

·         an operational manual

>20kg:

·         VMC  

·         Uncontrolled airspace only  

·         Max 400ft AGL  

·         out of restricted areas  

·         or within segregated areas designated for UAV  

·         min 50m from people, building, etc.  

·         Out of controlled airport, or with approval  

·         Insurance mandatory  

·         Need backup C2 link  

·         FTS  

·         registration mandatory  

·         logbook or equivalent  

·         permits to fly etc.  

·         certificate of navigation and communication  

·         approval for aerial work  

·         OM    

·         7-20kg    

·         No flight within 1500m of densely populated areas  

·         max 400 ft AGL  

·         1000 m max VLOS range  

·         VMC (Class G)  

·         min 50 m from building/people, etc.    <7 kg    

·         Flight within 1500m of densely populated areas approved    <0.91 kg

·         Can be flown in a CTR! (less than 0.91 kg)

·         >2NM from ARP, max 30m  

·         No ATC clearance, but radio and SSR transponder mandatory

·         Commercial work: need to inform 1h before departure and 15min before time of takeoff.

·         Need to inform end of operation and any change.

·         <0.5 kg

·         Toys  

·         max 30m, within 2NM of an ARP, with approval of authorities.  

·         max 300m distance.

 

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS portugal

Since 14 December 2016, new regulations are in place. According to an unofficial translation, the regulations seem quite straight forward, with some unusual points:

- operation up to 25kg weight

- No mention of Airworthiness Approval

- 400 ft AGL max

- Daylight operations only

- Only VLOS (BVLOS possible with approval and under certain conditions)

- Observers are allowed (VLOS) with bilateral communication with PIC

- Safe distance from people and building

- Out of restricted areas

- Different from model airplanes (own regulation)

- No recreational / commercial distinction

- Need to follow Data Protection Laws

- Single UAS use only

- UAS must fly with identification lights —> Article 3, item 9

- Can fly in CTRs with the altitude restriction of 400 ft AGL

- Exemptions are possible to fly above 400ft AGL, at night, or BVLOS, or above 25kg

 

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS spain

Drone use is allowed in Spain, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. Operators must ensure that they follow the following drone laws when flying in Spain,

·         Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds

·         Do not fly your drone higher than 120 meters (400 feet)

·         Do not fly your drone within 50 meters of buildings, people, or vehicles not associated with the operation of the drone

·         You must fly your drone within visual line of sight at all times

·         Respect others privacy when flying your drone

·         Do not fly your drone within 8km (5 miles) of airports or in areas where aircraft are operating. For flights that are approved to be operated beyond visual line of sight you must stay 15km (9.4 miles) away from airports

·         You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions

·         Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited

·         Do not fly your drone over national parks without a permit allowing you to do so

·         You must be at least 18 years old to fly a drone in Spain

 

 

DRONE LAWS india

According to India’s national aviation authority, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, flying a drone is legal in India, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation announced the country’s first Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) for drones on August 27, 2018 to go into effect December 1, 2018.

 

Special Travel Considerations

Foreigners are currently not allowed to fly drones in India. For commercial purpose, they need to lease the drone to an Indian entity who in-turn will obtain Unique Identification Number (UIN) and UAOP from DGCA.

General Rules for Flying a Drone in India

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in India.

• All drones except those in the Nano category must be registered and issued a Unique Identification Number (UIN).
• A permit is required for commercial drone operations (except for those in the Nano category flown below 50 feet and those in the Micro category flown below 200 feet).
• Drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight at all times while flying.
• Drones cannot be flown more than 400 feet vertically.
• Drones cannot be flown in areas specified as “No Fly Zones”, which include areas near airports, international borders, Vijay Chowk in Delhi, State Secretariat Complex in State Capitals, strategic locations, and military installations.
• Permission to fly in controlled airspace can be obtained by filing a flight plan and obtaining a unique Air Defense Clearance (ADC)/Flight Information Center (FIC) number.

 

 

 

Drone Categories in India

 

Registration is required for all but the Nano category.

• Nano: Less than or equal to 250 grams (.55 pounds)
• Micro: From 250 grams (.55 pounds) to 2kg (4.4 pounds)
• Small: From 2kg (4.4 pounds) to 25kg (55 pounds)
• Medium: From 25kg (55 pounds) to 150kg (330 pounds)
• Large: Greater than 150kg (33 pounds)

Required Drone Equipment in India

Also worth noting is that India has specific requirements regarding the types of features a drone must have to be flown in India (excluding those in the Nano category). These mandatory requirements include:

• GPS
• Return-to-home (RTH)
• Anti-collision light
• ID plate
• A flight controller with flight data logging capability
• RF ID and SIM/No Permission No Takeoff (NPNT)

 

 

 

India’s No Permission, No Takeoff Policy

Before every single flight, drone pilots are required to request permission to fly via a mobile app, which will automatically process the request and grant or reject it. India is calling their system “No Permission, No Takeoff” (NPNT). If a drone pilot tries to fly without receiving permission from the Digital Sky Platform, he or she will simply not be able to takeoff.

All drone operators will register their drone and request permission to fly for each flight through India’s Digital Sky Platform. The Digital Sky Platform and further details will be available on the DGCA website from December 1, 2018.

For more information on India’s drone laws, see this document from the DGCA website.

 

DRONE LAWS china

According to China’s national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Administration of China(CAAC), flying a drone is legal in China, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the CAAC directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: fsdcaac@public3.bta.net.cn

General Rules for Flying a Drone in China

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in China.

• Any drones weighing 250 grams (.55 pounds) or more must be registered with the CAAC. See the section below to learn more about registering your drone.
• Licensing is required for commercial operations and in other scenarios. See the section below to learn more about the scenarios that require licensing by the CAAC.
• Do not fly beyond your visual line of sight.
• Do not fly above 120 meters (394 feet).
• Do not fly in densely populated areas.
• Do not fly around airports, military installation, or other sensitive areas such as police checkpoints or sub-stations.
• All drones are subject to China’s “N0-Fly-Zones” or NFZs. Beijing is a NFZ. You may consult this NFZ map as a resource.
• Do no fly in controlled areas, unless you have approval by the CAAC in advance.

For more information on China’s drone laws, see this page on the CAAC website.

 

Registration Licensing Requirements for Flying a Drone in China

 

Any drone that weighs over 250 grams (.55 pounds) must be registered with the CAAC. Registration requires the personal information of the individual as well as details about the drone and its usage. You will need to provide:

• Owner’s name
• Valid personal ID number (such as ID or passport number)
• Mobile phone and email address
• Product model number
• Serial Number
• Purpose of use

Once your drone is registered you must print your registration sticker with the QR code and attach it to your drone in a clearly visible manner.

Here is a link to the CAAC portal for registering your drone, and here is a site that provides helpful information to guide you through the registration process.

*Note: The registration process may require understanding of the Chinese language and a Chinese mobile phone number.

Licensing

Here are different scenarios that require licensing from the CAAC:

• Any drone weighing 7 kilograms (15 pounds) to 116 kilograms (256 pounds) requires a license from the CAAC.
• All drones flown for commercial use require a license from the CAAC.
• Any drone weighing over 116 kilograms (256 pounds) requires a pilot’s license and UAV certification for operation.

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS japan

According to Japan’s national aviation authority, the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), flying a drone is legal in Japan, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the JCAB directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: hqt-jcab.mujin@ml.mlit.go.jp

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Japan

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Japan.

 

• Before flying a drone in Japan you must request approval by submitting an application for permission to the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism at least 10 business days prior to the proposed operation. Contact Japan’s UA / Drone Counseling Service for more information.
• Drones may not be flown in the following manners without special permission from the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism: 150 meters (492 feet) above ground level; near airports; above densely inhabited areas, as defined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
• Drones may only be flown during the daytime.
• Drone pilots must maintain a visual line of sight with their drone during operations.
• Drones may not fly within 30 meters (98.4 feet) of people or private property.
• Drones may not be flown over crowds or sites where large groups of people are gathered, such as concerts or sports events.
• Drones may not be used to transport hazardous goods.
• Drones may not drop objects while in flight, either intentionally or accidentally.

For more information on Japan’s drone laws, see this page on the JCAB’s website.

 

 

DRONE LAWS south korea

According to South Korea’s national aviation authority, the South Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA), flying a drone is legal in South Korea, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the KOCA directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: fsdiv01@korea.kr

General Rules for Flying a Drone in South Korea

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in South Korea.

• Drones for commercial use require registration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport. Learn more about registering your drone in South Korea here.
• An operator’s license is required for drones weighing 12 kilograms (26 pounds) or more that will be used for commercial purposes. Learn more about obtaining an operator’s license here.
• Do not fly at night.
• Do not fly where there is low visibility or yellow dust.
• Do not fly beyond your line of sight.
• Do not fly higher than 150 meters (492 feet).
• Do not fly over people or around crowded areas.
• Do not fly within 5.5 kilometers (3.5 miles) of airfields or in areas where aircraft are operating.
• Drones may not be flown near Seoul Plaza, military installations, power plants, or areas of facilities related to national security such as the Blue House.*

*Note: Most of Seoul is designated as prohibited airspace.

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS thailand

 

According to Thailand’s national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand(CAAT), flying a drone is legal in Thailand, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact CAAT directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: info@caat.or.th

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Thailand

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Thailand.

• All drones must be registered if they 1) Have a camera, and 2) Weigh 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or more. Register here.
• Drones weighing more than 25 kilograms (55 pounds) must be registered with the Minister of Transport.
• Drone pilots must maintain a visual line of sight with their drone at all times.
• Drones must not be flown close to manned aircraft
• Drones must not be flown close to any person, vehicle, construction, or buildings at distance less than 30 meters (98 feet) horizontally.
• Drones must not be flown in restricted areas without authorization.
• Drones must not be flown within 9 kilometers (5 miles) from an airport or temporary airfield except with special authorization.
• Drones must not be flown higher than 90 meters (295 feet).

For more information on Thailand’s drone laws, see this announcement from Thailand’s Ministry of Transport.

 

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS malaysia

According to Malaysia’s national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), flying a drone is legal in Malaysia, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the CAAM directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: webmaster@dca.gov.my

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Malaysia

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Malaysia.

• Drones may not be flown in Class A, B, C or G airspace; within an aerodrome traffic zone; or more than 400 feet above the ground.
• Drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight with their drones during operations.
• Permission from the Director General must be obtained for commercial drone operations (find his contact information here).
• Drones weighing more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) may not be flown without permission from the Director General (find his contact information here).

For more information on Malaysia’s drone laws, see this page on the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DRONE LAWS vietnam

 

According to Vietnam’s national aviation authority, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam(CAAV), flying a drone is legal in Vietnam, but we recommend being aware of and compliant with the drone regulations listed below before doing so.

If you’d like to contact the CAAV directly before you travel with any questions you might have, here is their contact information: tinbai@caa.gov.vn

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Vietnam

Based on our research and interpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Vietnam.

• A unique flight license is required for every drone flight conducted in Vietnam. Applications must be submitted at least 14 days before the planned date of the flight to the Operations Bureau of the General Command Post of the Ministry of Defense.
• Drones may not be used to carry radioactive substances, flammable, or explosive materials.
• Drones may not be used to launch, shoot or jettison harmful objects or substances or those containing hazards.
• Drones may not be mounted with aerial equipment and / or used for aerial videography or photographing activities without a license issued for that purpose.
• Drones may not fly flags or banners, release leaflets or otherwise be used for propaganda purposes.

For more information on Vietnam’s drone laws, see this decree issued by the Vietnamese government.