From:TheBahamasWeekly.com
Bahamas Government on Illegal Drone Activity
By Bahamas Department of Civil Aviation
Apr 22, 2016 - 2:44:14 PM
Nassau, Bahamas - It has been reported to the Civil
Aviation Department that unmanned aerial aircraft (drones) are being operated
in the Love Beach area, which is in the flight path of aircraft coming in for
landing at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. This is a very dangerous
act, and persons engaging in this practice are advised that instances have been
reported in other countries of drones coming into contact with commercial
aircraft. The practice is also contrary to the operating conditions and
limitations for drones in The Bahamas, as outlined in Special Regulation No. 1
of 2016 issued by the Department, a copy
of which is attached to this release.
Persons flying drones within the Love
Beach area are to immediately cease operations within five (5) mile radius of
the airport, as provided for in the registration restrictions. These
restrictions must be adhered to, and the following rules governing the
operation of drones are again emphasized for public information and
conformance:
(1)
The
person in charge of a small unmanned surveillance aircraft must not fly the
aircraft in any of the circumstance described in paragraph (2), except in
accordance with a permission issued by The Bahamas Department of Civil
Aviation.
(2)
The
circumstance referred to in paragraph (1) are-
(a)
Within
5 nautical miles of any airport;
(b)
At
a height above 200 ft;
(c)
On
or within 150 meters of any congested or populated area;
(d)
Over
or within 150 meters of an organized open-air assembly of more than 100 persons
(e)
Within
50 meters of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of
the person in charge of the aerial vehicle, without special permission of the
owner;
(f)
Within
50 meter of any person;
(g)
Subject
to (c) and (d), during takeoff or landing, a small unmanned surveillance
aircraft must not be flown within 30 meters of any person;
(h)
Paragraphs
(d) and (f) do not apply to the person in charge of the small unmanned
surveillance aircraft, or a person under the control of the person in charge of
the aircraft;
(i)
A
small unmanned aircraft means a small unmanned aircraft less than 15kg in
weight used for personal recreation and for which any images or data collected
(if so equipped) are not for commercial gain.
The public is also reminded that The Department of Civil Aviation will
not be responsible for any accidents, incidents, mishaps, damages or injuries
that may occur as a result of the operation of Unmanned & Remotely
Controlled Aircraft, and will require that the operator/owner assume all such
liability.
Persons requiring further
information should contact the Flight Standards Inspectorate of the Civil Aviation
Department FSI at the
J L Centre, Second
Floor,
Blake Road
P. O. Box AP59244
Telephone:
242-397-4700
Fax Line : 242-356-3203
Email – cad@bahamas.gov.bs
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