The agency responsible for drone safety, CAA, has provided details on flying for fun or work. We outline the highlights below. For more details, click on the link above. Are drones allowed in the Cayman Islands? According to CAA, drones are allowed in the Cayman Islands, subject to CAA regulations. Read on for more details. Rules to follow when flying a drone in the Cayman Islands The laws for flying small drones (under 25kg) are made to keep everyone safe. If your drone is heavier than 25kg, it’s treated like an airplane, and different rules apply. When flying a drone, you must: Keep it where you can see it without help to avoid accidents. Never fly it in a way that could be dangerous to people or things. Don’t drop anything from your drone that could cause harm. You can’t fly your drone: Out of your sight. Higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground. For paid work (like taking photos) without permission. Near many people (more than 400), close to someone (within 45 Meters (150 feet)), or near vehicles and buildings not under your control. Inside the boundaries of an airport. If you’re flying a drone for work, you need to: Be sure it’s safe to fly. Remember, being careless or risky is against the law. Have a guide on how to do your job safely if you have permission for aerial work. Have insurance for flying drones for work. If there are specific Permissions required for the planned operation, these include: Under Article 73(4)(b): Permission to conduct Aerial Work (commercial operations) Under Article 73(3): Permission for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations Under Articles 73(4)(a), (c), (d), (e): Permission for operating at reduced distances from persons, vehicles, vessels or structures Under Articles 73(4)(a): Permission to operate at a height of more than 120 meters (400 feet) above the surface Under Article 73(4)(f): Permission to operate within the boundary of an aerodrome The CAA can make special rules or stop drones from flying in certain areas. Links to the Restricted Zone Maps. The following links may be used to access the maps for the restricted zones applicable to: Owen Roberts International Airport (Grand Cayman) Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (Cayman Brac) Edward Bodden Airfield (Little Cayman) H M Prison Northward Operational Guidance for the Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft in the Cayman Islands Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) Flying drones with a clear line of sight means you must see your drone and its surroundings when it’s flying. This helps avoid crashes. You can use glasses, but not binoculars or telescopes. The drone must stay within your eyesight. Normally, if you can see your drone within 500 meters (1600 feet), it’s okay. But for smaller drones, they should be closer. Operating Height The maximum flying height is 120 meters (400 feet) above the ground. This keeps drones away from airplanes, which usually fly higher. The height is measured from the ground right below the drone, so it changes over hills or cliffs. VLOS Operations at Night Flying drones at night is allowed if you can still see them. You’ll need to include night flying rules in your operations manual, like checking the area in daylight, noting any hazards, and using proper lights on the drone and the take-off area. Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Permission required You need special permission and a good safety plan to fly beyond what you can see. This might include technology to avoid crashes, flying in an area where no other aircraft can go, or proving the flight is safe. If you’re using extra people to help watch the drone, that’s also beyond normal sight flying, and you need permission for that, too. This method requires careful planning and communication with your team. Uninvolved persons When flying drones, it’s crucial to protect people who aren’t involved in the flight, like spectators or passersby.