Drones to get regulated in Sri Lanka
The government is planning on imposing new regulations for drones in view of the possibility of its risks while using these objects.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General H.M.C. Nimalsiri has issued new regulations regarding the implementing standards of a remotely piloted aircraft, a control line model aircraft, a free flight model aircraft or a drone also considered as pilotless aircraft within the local airspace.
The DGCA noted that drones were not currently in commercial use but since its availability abundantly in the market most people use it for domestic purposes.The guidelines put forward by the CAA would become effective once it gains approval from the Sri Lanka Police who are yet to send their feedback on the future regulations.
The guidelines state that a licence is required from the authorities for the use of a pilotless aircraft of gross mass of more than 25 kg and those between 2kg and 25 kg should also have the approval of the CAA or an approved person but an aircraft less than 2 kg could be operated without approval for leisure within private premises in public with due regard to safety of persons and property.In the use of commercial operations the pilotless aircraft of any weight category cannot be used for hire or reward without special approval and the payment of a specified fee
A control line model aircraft cannot be operated with a single or multiple wire system longer than 30 metres; and also they should be checked and verified prior to flight to ensure unrestricted and safe operations.The DGCA pointed out that drones were seen to be used at places like weddings and were also likely to be used by remotely operating it from one location like a computer while the object would fly around the place.There was a danger that is perceived as being harmful to other people should the battery power go down and it could land on someone endangering that person, he added
The regulations also require that the operator of the aircraft should be in good physical and mental health in using these objects.A pilotless aircraft cannot be operated on or within five miles of a boundary of an uncontrolled aerodrome unless there is an agreement.These aircraft cannot be operated on or over any movement area of an active aerodrome or an active runway strip; over an assembly of persons, over a congested area, along or over a roadway or railway, below or above open electricity power lines, within proximity to communication towers; and in a national park, protected areas or security establishments without approval.