The Mexican agency responsible for drone safety, AFAC, has provided many internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, click on the link above.
Are drones allowed in Mexico?
According to AFAC, drones are allowed in Mexico, subject to AFAC regulations. Read on for details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Mexico:
The Mexican Drone laws enumerate drones into three classes:
Micro UAV:Ā UAVs in this category weigh 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or less. Micro UAVs can be flown without authorization from the AA, but if used for commercial activities, they should have third-party liability insurance, among other conditions. They can be flown up to 400 feet above ground level and no more than 1,500 feet from the operator within the visual line of sight.
Light UAVs:Ā UAVs in this category weigh between 2 kilograms and 25 kilograms (55 pounds). Light UAVs flown for recreational purposes can only be flown on the grounds of a recognized model aircraft club. Light UAVs flown for commercial purposes must be registered with the AFAC and display license plates. In addition, each individual commercial UAV flight must be authorized by the AA beforehand.
Heavy UAVs:Ā UAVs in this category weigh over 25 kilograms. Heavy UAVs must adhere to all the rules that apply to light drones. In addition, heavy UAVs must follow the terms and conditions approved by theĀ AFAC. Heavy UAV operators must have a pilotās license.
Each weight class is regulated distinctly for recreational and commercial use only.
Operations are permitted only in daylight (unless the FAA grants a written exception), and in areas not classified as prohibited, restricted, or dangerous.
All UAVs must stay 9.2 kilometers (5.72 miles) away from controlled airports, 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) away from uncontrolled airfields, and 900 meters (985 yards) from helicopter pads.
All UAVs must not drop objects that may cause damage to people or property.
UAVs cannot be flown over people or animals.
Operators, whether individuals or corporations, are required to respect all laws and regulations, both federal and local.
The UAV pilot must always keep direct eye contact with the UAV (line of sight)
Only RPAS weighing less than 2 kg can be operated without requiring authorization from the AFAC. Still, if used for commercial activities, they must have third-party damage insurance, among other conditions.
As for those weighing more than 2 kg, they can only be used within model airplane clubs when their use is recreational. Those for commercial use require authorization from the AFAC. The limitations are even more specific to operating devices weighing more than 25 kilograms, which can only fly under the terms and conditions authorized by the AFAC, in addition to the fact that their operator must have a pilot license.