Drone operator says JCAA guidelines are restrictive

At least one local drone operator says the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority's (JCAA) guidelines for the use of drones are too restrictive and will eventually hamper the use of the devices.

Owner of Modern Media Services, Zomian Thompson, says some of the JCAA's rules are not practical and are not in keeping with the nature of the work that professional operators do.

Thompson says he has given up many opportunities to earn from drone activity because of his fear of breaching the new guidelines. 

He says the time it takes to get permits also poses a problem.

Thompson says Jamaica should look at granting licences to professional drone operators rather than permits for each event.

He says this will reduce the time it takes to apply for permits and the authorities will know the number of professional drone operators in the country.