The Philippines agency responsible for drone safety, CAAP, 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 the Philippines? According to CAAP, drones are allowed in the Philippines, subject to CAAP regulations. Read on for more details. Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in the Philippines: To fly a drone commercially or fly a drone weighing more than 7 kilograms (15 pounds), you must obtain a CAAP certificate. For additional information, see the section below. Fly only during daylight hours and in good weather. Allow the drone to remain within your visual line of sight. Avoid flying over densely populated areas, such as schools or markets. Never fly higher than 400 feet above the ground. Keep a safe distance of at least 30 meters (98 feet) from people not involved in the drone’s operation. Avoid flying within a radius of 10 kilometers (6 miles) of airports. Avoid flying near disasters, such as fires. Certification Requirements for Flying a Drone in the Philippines Large drones weighing more than 7 kilograms (15 pounds) and drones for commercial use require a CAAP UAV certificate. The authorization is divided into three sections: Certificate as a UAV Controller / Pilot Registration of unmanned aerial vehicles Certificate of UAV Operator To earn the UAV Controller / Pilot Certificate, sometimes referred to as Drone License Philippines, you must complete a training course, pass an exam, and demonstrate proficiency in flight. This certificate is valid for five years. The UAV Operator Certificate is valid for three years and requires a letter of intent and detailed operations specifications. Following registration, the required registration marks must be visible on the UAV. RPA Controller Certificate APPLICATION FOR RPA CONTROLLER CERTIFICATE The application for RPA Controller’s Certificate shall be made in writing, signed, and sworn to by the applicant. The application shall also state the following: The date and place of filing; The name of the applicant; The address of the applicant; The intended RPA to be controlled; Details of any flight crew license, air traffic control license, or operations officer license that the applicant holds (include details of ratings, endorsements, and qualifications); Details of applicant’s experience in operating RPAs. Evidence of the completion of any training course in RPA operation that the applicant has undertaken. The Authority may refuse to consider, or cease considering, the application until the applicant gives the information or a copy of it. ELIGIBILITY FOR RPA CONTROLLER CERTIFICATE No person is eligible for the issuance of an RPA Controller Certificate unless he or she: Has completed an RPA training course as conducted by the RPA manufacturer in the operation of the type of RPA that he or she proposes to operate; and Has at least five (5) hours of experience operating RPAs outside controlled airspace. Has Passed the RPAS Exam. Has passed the demonstration flight conducted by the authorized personnel of the Authority. VALIDITY OF RPA CONTROLLER CERTIFICATE An RPA Controller Certificate issued by the Authority is effective for a period of five (5) years from the date of issuance and remains valid until: The Authority amends, suspends, revokes, or otherwise terminates the certificate; The RPA Controller surrenders it to the Authority. VALIDATION OF FOREIGN RPA CONTROLLER CERTIFICATE, LICENSE, OR AUTHORIZATION A person who holds a current and valid RPA Controller Certificate, License, or Authorization issued by another Contracting State may apply for validation of such license or authorization for use on Remotely Piloted Aircraft registered with the Authority. The Authority shall verify the authenticity of the license/authorization and ratings with the issuing state.