The agency responsible for drone safety, FICAD, 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 Falkland Islands? According to FICAD, drones are allowed in the Falkland Islands, subject to FICAD regulations. Read on for more details. Rules to follow when flying a drone in the Falkland 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 400 feet above the ground. For paid work (like taking photos) without permission. Near many people (more than 400), close to someone (within 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 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. Restricted Zones Stanley Airport Air Traffic Zone extends out from the runway on a 4-mile radius - creating a circular zone that covers the whole town of Stanley. Inside this Zone, there are manned aircraft taking off or preparing for landing - this includes the local FIGAS aircraft, small private aircraft;helicopters, and other military aircraft. If you plan on flying your drone, contact Stanley Airport at (+500) 27301 and tell them where you will be flying it. You must not fly your drone within the boundary of Stanley Airport. Contact Mount Pleasant Airport before flying to ascertain if any other aircraft are in the area. Tel (+500) 73661. You are responsible for ensuring that your drone does not collide with other aircraft. When using a drone to capture wildlife footage, you must still follow the Falkland Islands Countryside Code. In some circumstances, you may need Accreditation for your intended drone flights. Contact the Falkland Islands Government PR, Media & Communications Office at (+500) 27400 or communications.officer@sec.gov.fk for more details. Outside of Stanley, almost all of the land is privately owned. Ensure that you have landowner permission before commencing any drone flight on and over private land. For more information regarding environmental regulations and legislation, contact the Falkland Islands Government Environmental Department (+500) 28449 or environment@sec.gov.fk Operational Guidance for the Use of Small Unmanned Aircraft in the Falkland 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, it’s okay. But for smaller drones, they should be closer. Operating Height The maximum flying height is 400 feet above the ground. This keeps drones away from airplanes, which usually fly higher.