Drone operators can heave a sigh of
relief.
The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) says not all operators of drones
or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are required to obtain approval from the
department.
DCA director-general Datuk Seri
Azharuddin Abd Rahman said any person in charge of a small unmanned aircraft
with a mass of not more than 20 kg might fly the aircraft without an approval
from the DCA as long as "he is satisfied that the flight can safely be
made".
"Notwithstanding that, all UAV are
not allowed to fly in Class A, B, C or G airspace and around an aerodrome
unless otherwise authorised by the DCA,” he said in a statement today in
response to a news article “Drone Wings to be Clipped”.
According to the article, DCA is setting
up an enforcement unit to act against the flying of unregistered drones in the
country.
The unit is reportedly expected to start
operations early next year and would be based at all 21 airports nationwide.
It also said that the unit was introduced
because many drone owners are not aware that flying the machines outside their
home compounds is illegal.
In his statement, Azharuddin said DCA was
currently undertaking an extensive study on the possibility of
establishing an enforcement unit for
purposes of civil aviation safety as well as the possibility of registering
certain types of UAV.
"No definite decision has been made
thus far and DCA will provide updates and make announcements once a decision
has been reached,” he said.
According to the article, DCA is planning
to tighten control on drone flights by making it compulsory for owners to
register the devices.
It also said that DCA is proposing a
one-time registration fee of RM800 and a renewal fee of RM500 for the following
year.
Azharuddin said no charges were imposed
on all types of UAV.
"However, charges may apply on
certain types of UAV or flying a UAV for the purpose of aerial work where the
UAV is used to provide specialised services,” he said.
-- BERNAMA
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