The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has announced new governing drones weighing 1kg or more from 21 December 2015. The new measures make Ireland one of the first EU countries to introduce regulation for unmanned craft.
From Monday, drone users over the age of 16 must be registered with the IAA. Under 16s must be registered by a parent or legal guardian.
A nominal fee of €5 will apply from February 2016 but this has been initially waived by the IAA in order to encourage early registration.
Ralph James, IAA Director of Safety Regulation, said: “Ireland is already recognised worldwide as a centre of excellence for civil aviation and the drone sector presents another major opportunity for Ireland. We’re closely working with industry to facilitate its successful development here. At the same time, safety is our top priority and we must ensure that drones are used in a safe way and that they do not interfere with all other forms of aviation.
“We would strongly encourage drone operators to register with us as quickly as possible, to complete a training course and to become aware of their responsibilities. People operating drones must do so in safe and responsible manner and in full compliance with the new regulations.”
The new legislation prohibits users from operating their drones in an unsafe manner. This includes never operating a drone:
- If it will be a hazard to another aircraft in flight
- Over an assembly of people
- Farther than 300m from the operator
- Within 120m of any person, vessel or structure not under the operator’s control
- Closer than 5km from an aerodrome
- In a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or property of others
- Over 400ft (120m) above ground level
- Over urban areas
- In civil of military controlled airspace
- In restricted areas (eg military installations, prisons, etc.)
- Unless the operator has permission from the landowner for takeoff and landing
It is estimated that 5,000 drones are already in use in Ireland by consumers, surveyors, media production companies and more.
For more information visit www.iaa.ie/drones.
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