Latest update January 6th, 2025 4:00 AM
Guyana urges Caribbean aviation body to help regulate drones
The Board of Directors of the Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) has been challenged to prepare rules and regulations for drones.
Guyana has asked Caribbean Aviation Safety and Security Oversight System (CASSOS) to help with regulations for drones.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, issued the challenge while addressing participants at the opening ceremony for CASSOS’s 17th Board of Directors meeting currently underway at Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Guyana.
“Given the use of drones and safety implications…there is need to urgently develop rules and regulations which would be adopted by member states for implementation,” Minister Ferguson advised.
She urged the Board of Directors to act swiftly since there is need to have sufficient mechanisms in place to govern their usage, especially since they have become increasingly popular within the region.
The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) which has responsibility for the aviation sector recently issued a notice after an incident with a Guyana Defence Force helicopter. The helicopter was “buzzed” by a remote-controlled drone then followed back to Base Camp Ayanganna.
The army issued a statement prohibiting the use of drones over its bases since it represents a serious security breach. Since then the GCAA informed the public via print media that there shall be no flying within prohibited or restricted areas.
According to the local aviation authority, the established prohibited areas in Georgetown are: Lateral Limit: a circle with radius of three Nautical Miles NM centered on the Georgetown Lighthouse Marine Beacon – 065000North, 0581000West and Vertical Limit: From Ground to 4,500feet. Individuals flying for hobby or recreation were strongly encouraged to follow the safety advisory.
Operating Restrictions:
i) Do not fly at a height exceeding 400ft.
ii) Do not fly beyond a range of 1600ft from the person controlling the device.
iii) Do not operate over an open air assembly of people with the exception of the person in control
iv) Do not fly over or within 150ft of any other person.
v) Do not operate over or near a private or public property without prior permission from the owner.
vi) Do not operate within five miles of any airport/airstrip/helipad and or landing pad.
vii) Do not operate at nights or in low visibility conditions.
viii) Do not drop or tow any object during flight.
ix) Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times.
x) Fly clear of obstructions.
xi) Do not fly with a first person view device.
xii) Do not operate in a reckless and unsafe manner to endanger persons and or property.
Professionals (commercial and non-commercial) are described as persons or companies that operate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for non-recreational purposes, including business-related activities such as, but not limited to, aerial photography, surveillance, geometric surveys, power line inspections, crop observations and research and development.
Additionally, prior to commencing operation, all operators in this category must apply to the GCAA in writing for approval, providing all details of the intended operation and should not commence operation unless written permission is obtained.
Minister Ferguson indicated that similar notices were published in other Caribbean territories, but the advisories are insufficient to effectively address the safety concerns of the regulatory agency.
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