PASO, the regional agency responsible for drone safety, has not codified drone use regulations in Samoa. Go to the link above to check for recent updates.
Are drones allowed in Samoa?
According to PASO, Drone operations are not regulated in Samoa. Use the ICAO’s recommendations. Read on for more details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Samoa:
Absent explicit regulations, we suggest you contact the PASO and follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations (ICAO UAS Toolkit):
You should always consult your local Civil Aviation Authority. Drone guidelines and regulations differ from country to country.
Most states require you to get a permit before operating a drone:
If the drone weighs more than 25 kg (55 lbs).
If you are paid to use the drone or if you use it for research.
Keep your drone within eyesight at all times.
Read the user’s manual before operating your drone.
Check your drone before each flight.
Don’t fly within 50 meters (55 yards) of or over people, property, or vehicles.
Don’t fly over 150 meters (490 feet) from the ground.
Don’t fly near an airport. Stay at least 8km (5 miles) away.
Always remember that you are now a remote pilot. You are responsible for flying safely and avoiding collisions.
Why follow ICAO recommendations when a country does not have drone regulations?
ICAO is a United Nations Specialized Agency. It is funded and directed by 193 national governments. ICAO supports their diplomacy and cooperation in air transport. The 193 nations are signatory states to the Chicago Convention (1944).
ICAO’s main job is maintaining an administrative and expert bureaucracy (the ICAO Secretariat). The secretariat supports diplomatic interactions and researches new air transport policies. It develops standardization innovations as directed and endorsed by governments. It uses the ICAO Assembly or the ICAO Council, which the assembly elects.
ICAO is not a regulator. It provides standards to all its member states. This means that most nations worldwide are coordinating with ICAO. ICAO supports those countries with limited resources for developing drone regulations.
IACO provides ICAO Model UAS regulations and circulars that member states adopt.