Remotely piloted aircraft systems, more commonly known as drones, need to be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji before being flown.
This is part of the message being sent out to the public through the CAAF’s public awareness campaign on the potential danger and safety measures needed when flying drones.
A major concern of CAAF is the danger drones posed to air traffic.
“For devices below 7 kilograms, normal airworthiness and operations standards do not apply, however, the user or owner must register their drones with the authority and obtain a written authorisation prior to any flights,” said CAAF acting chief executive Ajai Kumar.
“The principle employed by the authority in granting approvals or specifying requirements is that the unmanned aircraft operation must not present any undue hazard to other airspace users, or to persons or property on the ground.”
He said for devices above 7 kilograms and for commercial operators, more stringent requirements were imposed including third-party insurance coverage, licensed pilots and maintenance program.
“There have been instances where CAAF has become aware though various means, including social media and general public of people operating drones for leisure and commercial purposes without proper authorisation. Investigations into these cases identified a lack of awareness, which is why we had started the awareness campaign.”
Mr Kumar added once the awareness campaign was over, no leniency would be shown.
“Ignorance of the law is not an excuse and following the awareness campaign, offences and breaches will be pursued as there are provisions in the law for conviction and fines for offences,” he said.
Source: The Fiji Times