The DR Congo agency responsible for drone safety, CAADRC, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above. Are drones allowed in DR Congo? According to CAADRC, drone operations are allowed in DR Congo, subject to CAADRC regulations. Read on for more details. Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in DR Congo: CLASSIFICATION AND CATEGORIZATION OF RPAS (EQUIPMENT) RPAS are classified and categorized according to their mass and use. RPAS are divided into three classes Class 1: RPAS with a mass of 5 kg or less, including any load carried by RPAS. Class 2: RPAS with a mass greater than 5 kg but less than or equal to 25 kg, including any load transported; and Class 3 RPAS with a mass greater than 25 kg, including any load carried. SAPs are divided into three categories: Category A: used for recreation and sport purposes only. Category B: for private use, excluding uses for leisure and sport; and Category C: used for profit. Category A; Recreation and SportsCategory B: Private, excluding leisure and sportCategory C: used for profitThe authorization provided by AuthorityClass 1: 0 to 5 kg1A1B1CLimited based on authorizationClass 2: 5 to 25 kg2A2B2CLimited based on authorizationClass 3: 25kg plus3A3B3CPER required ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS TO OPERATE AN RPAS Is eligible for obtaining authorization to operate an RPAS: any Congolese who is at least 18 years old. any resident in the Democratic Republic of Congo who is at least 18 years old. all legal persons regularly established in the Democratic Republic of Congo that can justify the use of such equipment. Note: If the RPAS’s owner is under 18, the RPAS will be registered in the name of their legal guardian. REGISTRATION OF RPAS Any operator or owner of civilian RPAS is required to register with the Authority. The Authority shall lay down the conditions for unmanned aircraft registration in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2.1 of this chapter, the Authority may exclude certain RPAS classes and categories of registration requirements. Note: Although an integral part of the RPAS, the remote controller is not entered in the aircraft register. AIRWORTHINESS OF RPAS The owner or operator of an RPAS must ensure that all its components are in good working order and follow the supplier’s user manual. The Authority may require that an RPAS of a specific class and category that has received a type of certificate obtain an airworthiness certificate. The RPA operator’s responsibility is to ensure that the RPA system is airworthy before performing an air operation. Airworthiness means that at least the following conditions are met: The RPAS has been maintained following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule; Any airworthiness directive (or an equivalent document) issued by the manufacturer of the aircraft, control station, or any other secondary component has been met; all modifications and repairs made to the system of non-operating aircraft person on board have been carried out per the manufacturer’s instructions, and no unapproved modification has been made; All of the RPAS system’s equipment required for safe flight is operational. OBLIGATIONS OF RPAS OWNERS AND OPERATORS The operator of a class 3 RPAS must obtain a PER from the Authority. The RPAS operator is responsible for the safe operation of the system. This requirement includes developing and implementing a safety management system (SGS) if the Authority so requires it. The RPAS operator must follow all of the Authority’s requirements for its operations. The operator assumes responsibility for the services it subcontracts after service suppliers (for example, communication service providers) as needed to carry out its operations effectively. The owner or operator of the registered SAP in the register is responsible for operational control.