You’ll need a license before you fly one
Senate President Aquilino Pimentel has filed a new bill in the senate that looks to regulate the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, more popularly known as drones, in the Philippines.
If Senate Bill No. 1723 becomes a law, anyone who owns or is planning to own one for either hobbyist or commercial use will be required to register their drones with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
In addition, owners will have to request a permit to operate said drone which will be granted if the following conditions have been met:
- Is qualified for a radio operator’s certificate of proficiency
- Has been awarded a passing rating in an aviation license theory examination
- Has completed a training course in the operation of the type of drone that will be operated
- Has at least 5 hours of experience in operating drones outside of controlled airspace
- Has valid insurance over the drone
- Has not incurred any violations for drone ownership in the past 5 years before application
Fail to meet the requirments, and operators will face hefty fines and possible jail time.
Operating a drone for commercial purposes without permit shall also result in confiscation and a fine between P50,000 and P100,000. Any violator of CAAP’s general safety rules shall be fined between P100,000 and P500,000, on top of possible civil and criminal charges.
