The Maltese agency responsible for drone safety, CAD, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying drones for fun or work. The highlights of Malta Drone Rules are outlined below. For more details, go to the link above.
Flying and operating drones in Malta are subject to European Union Regulation 2019/947. The Malta Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) supervises and implements Drone Rules Malta.
According to the level of risk involved, this new legal framework will introduce three categories of drone operations: Open, Specific, and Certified.
Are drones allowed in Malta?
According to CAD, drones are allowed in Malta, subject to CAD and EASA regulations. Read on for details.
Categories of Allowed Drone Flights in Malta:
Drone flights in Malta are allowed in three categories defined by the level of risk associated with drone flights or operations. Whether you are a resident of Malta or a visitor, you must operate within the limitations and follow the rules and procedures of the category in which your drone operation qualifies:
Open Category
Given the low level of risk, neither prior authorization by the competent authority nor a declaration by the drone operator is required. The drone’s total takeoff mass must be less than 25kg, and it must be operated within a visual line of sight at a maximum altitude of 120m.
Specific Category
Considering the moderate level of risk involved, flights in this category require authorization before the operation. The permission is given considering the mitigation measures identified in an operational risk assessment, except in specific standard scenarios where an operator declaration is sufficient.
Certified Category
Given the inherent dangers, certification of the drone and a licensed remote pilot are required. If your drone can carry people, you fall under the Certified category!