New regulations for use of drones to come in force |18 February 2017

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has worked on a set of regulations to control the use of unmanned aerial vehicles popularly known as drones.

For the time being there are few restrictions on drones in Seychelles and with the increase in its proliferation, there is a great cause of concern for safety, security and privacy.

However, the regulations are still in the hands of the Attorney General’s Office and will then be presented to the Cabinet for approval before it can become effective.

In the meantime the SCAA has issued a set of guidelines to be used by drone operators.

With the new regulations all drones will be required to be registered irrespective of its size and permission will be required to use drones in public and at national or public events.

It will also provide for areas to be designated and dedicated to those who want to fly their drones for fun.

For those who use their drones for specific filming and photography purposes, special permissions will be required from the SCAA.
And the use of drones within the vicinity of any aerodromes which include airport and airstrip is not allowed.

The SCAA has said it will give more details on these regulations as soon as they come into effect.