The Suriname agency responsible for drone safety, CASAS, 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 Suriname?
According to CASAS, drones are allowed in Suriname, subject to CASAS regulations. Read on for details.
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Suriname:
UAS shall be categorized based on their operational purpose and weight as follows:
UAS for hobby or recreational.
UAS for professional use. This category applies to:
Any UAS for commercial use or commercial operation; or
Any UAS above 25 kg in weight.
All unmanned aircraft operations shall be remotely piloted. Fully autonomous or semi-autonomous UAS operations are strictly prohibited.
International UAS operations are strictly prohibited; both the remotely piloted aircraft and the remote pilot station shall be operated within the boundaries of Suriname.
The remote pilot shall have operational control of the UAS flight. Therefore, the remote pilot is directly responsible for the entire operation of the UAS, and they shall ensure compliance with this DDC.
The UAS shall not be operated unless it is in a condition for safe operation.
Before each flight, the remote pilot shall:
Inspect the UAS to determine whether it is in a condition for safe operation.
Ensure all command and control links between the ground control station and the UAS are working properly.
Check if the UAS is powered to ensure enough power is available for the intended operational time.
Ensure that any object attached or carried by the UAS is secure and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft.
Assess the operating environment, considering risks to persons and property in the immediate vicinity both on the surface and in the air. This assessment must include:
Local weather conditions;
Local airspace and any flight restrictions;
The location of persons and property on the surface; and
Other hazards.
The UAS shall always operate within the remote pilot’s visual line of sight (VLOS).
The remote pilot shall not operate the UAS at a lateral distance of less than 50 m from any congested area, buildings, houses, vehicles, vessels, or the public, including organized open-air assembly, spectators, bystanders, or any person not associated with the operation of the UAS.
The AS shall not be operated at or within 5 km of an airport/aerodrome.
The UAS shall not be operated at night or during low visibility conditions. The minimum flight visibility, as observed from the location of the control station, must be no less than 4 km.
The UAS shall not be operated in controlled airspace.
The UAS shall be operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any crewed aircraft; The UAS may not be operated so close to another crewed or unmanned aircraft to create a collision hazard.
The UAS shall not be operated carelessly or recklessly to endanger the life or property.
A person may not act as a remote pilot in the operation of more than one UAS simultaneously.
The UAS shall not be operated in prohibited or restricted airspace unless the remote pilot has permission from the using or controlling agency.
UAS shall not be operated to drop or discharge any items to the ground.
The remote pilot shall report to CASAS within five calendar days by email or letter any operation of the UAS involving:
Injury to any person; and or
Damage to any property other than the UAS
Upon request, the remote pilot, owner, and operator of a UAS shall allow authorized inspectors of CASAS to conduct any test or inspection of the UAS and/or the remote pilot to determine compliance with this DDC.