• According to GCAA regulations, all drones must be registered with the authority, a process that currently cannot be completed at the point of sale.
• UAE privacy and security laws prevent the use of private drones from being flown with a camera unless approval is given by the GCAA, which is a problem as many drones are sold with cameras built-in.
• Drone operators are legally responsible for the safe conduct of each flight and must know the rules, as failure to comply could lead to penalties or even criminal prosecution.
• The drone must be inspected before each flight to check for damage and to make sure all the components work correctly.
• Drones must always be kept within visual sight of the operator, only fly during daylight and at no higher than 400ft (122m) above ground level.
• If a manned aircraft is seen or heard in the vicinity, the drone must be landed immediately.
• The operator must make sure to avoid collision with people, other objects and other aircraft and it must not be flown in a manner that could endanger people or property.
• If there is an accident, the operator must inform the GCAA.
• It is illegal for the drone to be flown over a “congested” area, like streets, cities or public events.
• The unmanned aircraft must stay at least 5km away from airports, helicopter landing sites and restricted government and military areas.
•The drone cannot fly within 200 metres of a person or building and cannot be flown overhead of groups of people at any height.
•Private drones weighing more than 5kg cannot be flown outside of GCAA approved flying clubs.
• If the drone is to be used for commercial activity, it must be approved by the GCAA and the authority must be notified if a drone is to be sold.
* Nadeem Hanif
