Imprisonment and a fine are the penalty for using unregistered drones

The Committee for Follow-up on the Implementation of the Light Air Sports Law warned amateur drone enthusiasts against not committing to registering them or using them outside the approved areas, as violators are subject to legal accountability and a penalty of up to imprisonment and a fine. At the same time, the General Authority of Civil Aviation confirmed that using these Airplanes in enclosed spaces, such as homes and indoor yards, away from outside airspace, do not require registration.

In detail, the Light Air Sports Implementation Committee confirmed yesterday to Emirates Al-Youm that the UAE is considered one of the first countries to develop systems that allow drone enthusiasts to use them according to controls, and in specific places without affecting air traffic, while Some other countries decided to ban it permanently without devising regulatory solutions.

The committee stressed the need to adhere to the legislation and regulations for drones, to limit the indiscriminate spread and wrong use of this type of aircraft, noting that Article (69) of Federal Civil Aviation Law No. (20) of 1991 confirms that it is punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year. A fine not exceeding 50,000 dirhams, or one of these two penalties, shall apply to anyone who unlawfully takes command of an aircraft or flies it in flight while not holding certificates, licenses, or Licenses established in accordance with the provisions of this law, and in accordance with Article (70), anyone who lands or takes off outside airports or designated places, or flies outside the designated areas, shall be punished with imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years and a fine not exceeding 100,000 dirhams, or one of these two penalties. Unless there is a special permit from the competent or concerned authority.

In a related context, the General Authority of Civil Aviation’s smart application, for registering drones, displayed a map specifying the areas in which the use of drones and photography with them is permitted, indicating that using a drone inside the home or an indoor space, and not including external airspace, does not require registration. Registering it, as the Civil Aviation Authority does not regulate the use of drones in enclosed spaces, however, when flying in the yard of the house or over private property, the person is required to register the drone, if its weight is more than 250 grams, while ensuring that it is flying. In aviation areas Approved.

He stated the requirements for drone users, including that the minimum user age must be 16 years for a drone weighing less than 25 kilograms, and 21 years for a drone weighing 25 kilograms and above. A valid ID card and phone number are also mandatory requirements for submitting a drone registration application. pilot.

The committee following up on the implementation of the light air sports system allowed, for the first time, drone enthusiasts to photograph while practicing this sport in specific areas across the country, in accordance with certain controls, respecting the laws, preserving the privacy of others, and ensuring the safety of the country’s airspace.

The committee registered 8,028 people on the electronic platform for drone registration, and launched the “You Are Responsible” campaign in its 2019 edition, with the aim of enhancing awareness of the requirements for light sports, including drones, and introducing the principles of practicing them and the permitted places, which ensures air navigation and provides safety requirements. .

Flight controls

– The aircraft may only be operated in permitted areas, and at a maximum height of 400 feet above sea level.

– It is prohibited in all cases, without exception, to fly near aircraft, airports, and helicopter landing pads.

– It is prohibited to fly over individuals, groups, others’ property, or public property, or in a way that may expose others or their property to danger or damage.

– The drones must be within the field of vision, and if any plane or helicopter is spotted or heard, it must be moved away, and it must land immediately.

– It is strictly prohibited, in any form, to violate the privacy of others during the flight process, and breaching this exposes the violator to legal penalties.

Photography is permitted only in permitted flight zones, and the aircraft operator must not violate the applicable laws related to photography in the country.

Allowing drone enthusiasts to photograph according to certain regulations and in specific areas.