Plans are underway to form the Fiji Drone Association to look after the interests of the Fiji drone community.

A drone otherwise known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft without a human pilot.

Project co-ordinator Salmendra Chand said, “to begin the project, we have a community page on Fa­cebook and we are calling all drone operators, hobbyists and model aircraft flyers in the eastern divi­sion to meet up”.

“There is a meet to organise to get everyone together where you can talanoa, ask questions and get an­swers from certified professionals.

“The theme is ‘spread the word! Have fun, fly safe!’

Compared to manned aircraft, drones were originally used for missions too “dull, dirty or danger­ous” for humans.

While they originated mostly in military applications, their use is rapidly expanding to commercial, scientific, recreational, agricultural, and other applications, such as policing, peacekeeping, and surveillance, product deliveries, aerial photography, agriculture, and drone racing.

The event will be held at the Suva Grammar School, Ground Two, tomorrow January 26 2019 from 10am-2pm.

Fiji Drone Regulations

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), flying a drone is legal in Fiji, but it must be compliant with the drone regula­tions listed below.

General Rules for Flying a Drone in Fiji:

  1. Based on their research and in­terpretation of the laws, here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Fiji.
  2. Separate permits are required for both recreational and commer­cial flying;
  3. Drones may not be operated within 3 kilometres (2 miles) of a domestic airport or 5 kilometres (3 miles) of an international airport or airfield;
  4. Do not fly a drone more than 200 feet vertically;
  5. Do not fly drones in a manner that may impair the safe opera­tions of aircraft;
  6. Visual contact with the drone must be maintained at all times;
  7. Do not fly over airstrips, heli­pads, fuel depots, private homes, moving vehicles, populous areas, or sporting events;
  8. Do not fly drones over sensi­tive areas such as hospitals, pris­ons, government institutions, the House of Parliament, police sta­tions or military barracks and in­stitutions;
  9. Do not operate drones at resorts without prior permission from the resort’s management;
  10. Follow the permit requirements for flying a drone in Fiji.
Plans are underway to form the Fiji Drone Association to look after the interests of the Fiji drone community
Plans are underway to form the Fiji Drone Association to look after the interests of the Fiji drone community

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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By Waisea Nasokia, Nadi – 25 Jan 2019 11:00

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