The Ecuadorian agency responsible for drone safety, GDCAE, 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 Ecuador?
According to GDCAE, drone use is allowed in Ecuador, subject to GDCAE regulations. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Ecuador:
Only fly during the day and in good weather conditions with clear visibility.
Do not fly above 400 feet.
Keep your drone within direct visibility.
Do not fly closer than 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) from all airports and airfields.
Do not fly in sensitive areas, such as government or military facilities.
You may only use automatic flight maneuvers if you can intervene as a pilot at any time during the operation.
Insurance
The owner or operator of the RPAS / UAS is responsible for any damages caused to third parties due to their flight activities and must therefore obtain an insurance policy covering civil legal liability to third parties in the minimum amounts specified.
Between 02 and 25 Kg. USD 3,000.00 of maximum take-off weight (MTOW)
Greater than 25 kilograms. USD 5,000.00 of maximum take-off weight (MTOW)
Are drones permitted in Galapagos?
Galapagos National Park prohibits using drones in flight. The PNG created this law to avoid causing damage to the island’s delicate ecosystem, as animals and birds may be scared or collide with these aircraft. Drones on the islands are strictly restricted to research and monitoring purposes or with special permission for commercial purposes.
Full information can be obtained by contacting the GNPD.
Penalties
No specific criminal penalties have been disclosed for illegal drone operations.