Pakistan

New registration policy for drones, govt makes registration mandatory for operating drones

Published by

Staff Reporter

2 years ago

The federal government has issued new regulations for the use of drones in the country, urging users to register with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

As per the new rules issued on the Ministry of Aviation’s website all unmanned aerial vehicles, known as drones, will have to be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under the new “Civil Unmanned Aircraft Rules, 2024”.

After the new regulations take effect, people who currently own UAVs will need to apply for registration of their devices within four months. On the other hand, those who purchase drones after the new laws take effect will have 15 days to register their property.

The rules classify UAVs into four categories based on their maximum take-off weight: category-I (up to 250 grams), category-II (250 grams to 10 kilograms), category-III (10 kg to 25 kg), and category-IV (25 kg to 100 kg).

Operating types II, III, and IV UAVs must enter into the CAA’s computer system and give operational details, according to the draft.

In addition, drone operators operating in categories II, III, and IV will now need to get a “Remote Pilot Licence” from the Civil Aviation Authority.

The regulations forbid taking off or landing in restricted airspace without the Director General’s (DG) or an authorized officer’s written consent. Every UAV needs to have a unique number made up of English letters and numbers, which it must register with the CAA and renew every three years.

UAV importers and exporters are needed to register with the Director General (DG), and Ministry of Defence permissions are necessary for category III and IV drones. Fines for infractions can reach Rs. 100,000, and if non-compliance persists, daily penalties apply.

Staff Reporter