Pilot licence for drones
I am an event photographer. The Tanzania law on drones is very new and unfortunately, most of us are not aware of it. For example, I registered a drone for use in Tanzania but I don’t know if I also need a licence to operate this drone. I want to be compliant. Please guide me.
PC, Mara
Matters concerning drones are regulated by The Civil Aviation (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2018 (GN. No. 758 of 2018) (the Regulations). The Regulations were adopted in 2018 to regulate the operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in Tanzania but it is true many people are not aware of them.
In regards to your question, regulation 46 states that a person shall not fly a RPAS for commercial or private purposes, without a valid licence issued by the Authority in accordance with these Regulations. According to the Regulations, an applicant for RPAS Pilots Licence shall (a) be at least 21 years old; (b) hold a current medical certificate; (c) demonstrate English language proficiency; (d) hold a radio telephony licence; (e) have completed a course of training approved by the Authority; and (f) have passed a knowledge and skills test. Further, where applicable, RPAS pilot shall hold an appropriate rating for the type of operations they will perform including-(a) type rating; (b) instrument rating; (c) night rating; and (d) instructor rating.
We advise that you consult your lawyer to make yourself aware of the compliance requirement under the Regulations.