Registration of drone cameras with CAA made mandatory

Aviation ministry issues new drone camera policy to register the device within 4 months

The Ministry of Aviation has released new policy rules regarding drone cameras, making registration with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) mandatory.

According to the policy rules, all drone owners must register their devices with the CAA within four months of the rules being issued.

The Ministry of Aviation will issue a "Remote Pilot License" to drone camera operators.

Moreover, drones have been classified into four categories based on their weight, and the import and export of these categories will be permitted.

The validity of the drone license will be three years, with a ban on flying drones near borders and in restricted areas. Clearance from the Ministry of Defence will be required for the import of drone cameras.

In case of drone accidents, owners must inform the CAA, and any violation of the rules will result in action against the drone owners. Inspections of drones by CAA inspectors have been made mandatory, and drones cannot be flown without this inspection.

The ministry also announced a ban on flying drones within a 6-kilometer radius of airports.

A government-level coordination committee, headed by the secretary of the interior, will oversee drone regulations, with the Director General of the Airports Authority and other institutional heads serving as members.

Any amendments or changes to the policy rules will require approval from the prime minister.

Earlier this year, due to the worsening security situation, a ban was placed on operating drones, remote-controlled aircraft, and flying cameras in Karachi's South District.

A notification issued by the District South administration announced the prohibition of drone cameras for a two-month period, from March 30 to May 29.

The notification explained that the ban was imposed in response to recent terror incidents across Pakistan.