The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has banned people from operating “Unmanned Air Systems”, or drones, in Qatar’s airspace without its permission.
In an advertisement published in the newspapers yesterday, the CAA noted that Law Number 11 of 2002 prohibits unauthorised use of “automated or Remotely Piloted Air Vehicles (RPAS)” or popularly known as “drones”.
Of late, drones have become increasingly popular in Qatar, especially with those who take photographs and video from an aerial view of events and activities.
It is also learnt that drones can be purchased in some major malls, supermarkets and hypermarkets.
“Such unauthorised use (of drones) poses serious threats and hazards to the State Air Safety and Air Navigation,” the CAA said.
The CAA had also asked RPAS operators to comply with the provisions of the law to avoid any legal action from concerned authorities.
In the UAE, those who own drones with cameras have been required since April last year to register their devices with the General Civil Aviation Authority.
The rule came into force three months after recreational drones strayed onto flight paths at Dubai airport and grounded passenger planes.
In the UK, a “Dronecode” is in force as of last month.
The basic conditions are keeping one’s drone within line of sight and at a maximum height of 400’ (122m) and flying it well away from aircraft, helicopters, airports and airfields.
If fitted with a camera, a drone must be flown at least 50m from a person, vehicle, building or structure not owned or controlled by the pilot.
It is also stipulated in the UK that camera-equipped drones must not be flown within 150m of a congested area or large group of people, such as a sporting event or concert.
In the US, Federal Aviation Administration chief Michael Huerta announced last week that the agency is establishing a broad-based advisory committee to provide advice on key unmanned aircraft integration issues.
Many drone scare incidents were reported from the US recently, including one in which a drone landed on the White House lawns.