CAAP revises rules on use of drones

MANILA, Philippines – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has amended its regulations on the use of drones to ensure public safety.

Air shows planning to fly drones are now required to secure a permit from the CAAP.

With the surge in the number of drone enthusiasts, CAAP director general William Hotchkiss III issued Memorandum Circular 29-15 on April 13 revising rules for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“Although CAAP is implementing security regulations and operational requirements for drones, we have to make adjustments to keep up with developments in the technology to ensure safe drone operations,” Hotchkiss said.

UAVs have been renamed Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) in compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s identification of drone operations.

The memorandum circular requires persons or entities planning to conduct RPA flying displays or air shows to secure authorization with CAAP.

Aside from populated areas, flying drones are prohibited over airports and no-fly zones, including military training camps and Malacañang.

Violators will be fined P300,000 to P500,000 per unauthorized flight, depending on the gravity of the violation.

“Our goal as a regulator is to enhance awareness for drone users and help them adhere to the standards in order to minimize confiscations and safety risks,” Hotchkiss said.

“There is a growing number of people who use drones for non-commercial purposes and we have to address that and make sure that drones are operated responsibly,” he added.

The amendments simplified the net weight classification of RPA into small with a gross weight of below seven kilograms. RPA with a gross weight of seven kilograms and above is considered large.

The amendments reinforced CAAP’s authority to validate foreign RPA controller certificate, license or authorization and introduce regulations on general RPA operations and RPA restricted areas of operation for non-commercial drones. 

The CAAP also set a validity period of five years for the RPA controller certificate and three years for the RPA operator certificate. Existing regulations do not set a validity period as the certificates are valid unless cancelled by the CAAP.