UAE details 16 rules to be followed for flying drones

DNTV, Staff Reporter
To ensure a safe, secure and environmental friendly development, and to respect the citizens’ legitimate concerns for privacy and data protection, the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has developed a regulatory framework for unmanned aerial system (UAS)/drone operations in the UAE.
The country enacted the Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2022 Concerning the Regulation of the Civil Use of Unmanned Aircraft and Related Activities to ensure the safe use of unmanned aircraft and maintain the safety and security of the airspace of the UAE.
Additionally, the Law seeks to regulate and control air navigation services of unmanned aircraft, manage and regulate the operation of unmanned aircraft and related activities safely and effectively, and standardise related systems and procedures, and minimise the risks arising from the operation of unmanned aircraft and determine the competencies of the relevant entities in this respect.
There are two types of users of unmanned aerial vehicles/drones. Individual/private (recreational user), as this category of users, fly unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones for leisure or as a hobby.
The other type is organisation/operator (commercial and non-commercial user). This category of users, fly unmanned aerial vehicles or drones for commercial purposes.
As per the Law, there are 16 rules to be followed while flying unmanned aerial vehicles. Individuals or private or recreational users must abide by the rules to be mentioned while flying unmanned aerial vehicles/drones.
1. Fly UAVs/drones weighing 5 kgs or less and that too in the approved flying zone indicated in the ‘My drone hub’ application (i.e. the green zone).
2. Register the UAV with GCAA before flying.
3. Fly the UAV/drone only during daytime and in good weather conditions.
4. Use the UAV/drone for recreation and not for commercial purposes.
5. Be responsible to use UAV/drone in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect it before commencing its flight.
6. Do not fly the UAV/drone near public and/or private property.
7. Do not fly the UAV/drone within 5 km of the UAE airports’ outer fence, heliports, helicopter landing sites, airfields and in controlled zones.
8. Maintain direct radio control link with the UAV/drone.
9. Maintain frequency band restrictions (29.7-47.0 MHz max power 10 mW, or 2400-2500 MHz max power 100 mW).
10. Take into consideration, the effects of the frequency used on radio communication.
11. Avoid collisions of the UAVs/drones with people, objects, and other manned and unmanned aircraft.
12. Do not harass or endanger people or threaten to damage property.
13. Be responsible to inform GCAA when you intends to resell the UAV/drones.
14. Do not equip UAVs/drones with drop or release devices.