Special permit needed to operate drones during Grand Gala

The public is being advised that the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones) is not permitted within the National Stadium complex, unless special authorisation is granted by the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

As such, only entities that have received the requisite authorisation will be allowed to operate drones at the Independence Grand Gala that is scheduled to take place on August 6 at the National Stadium.

Director of Flight Safety at the JCAA, Noel Ellis, explained that this is based on the close proximity of the National Stadium to the JDF headquarters, which is one of several restricted areas for drone operations in Jamaica. As such, obtaining special authorisation requires permission from the JDF due to the security-sensitive nature of the area.

Recreational drone operators are, therefore, not permitted to operate drones within this area at any time, and commercial operators are required to follow the guidelines of the JCAA.

Ellis pointed out that strict regulations are in place regarding drone operations, which must be obeyed, adding that drones are not allowed to fly in public areas where there is a risk of injury to persons.

Commercial operators must write to the JCAA on company letterhead, detailing the nature of their service, location of operations, maximum flight height (not exceeding 400 feet), and proof of insurance coverage. Requests should be sent to the dedicated email address, uavrequests@jcaa.gov.jm.

It is to be noted that drones cannot be flown within five kilometres of an airport. Other restricted areas include sites of national importance, such as Petrojam, the ports and prisons.

Special permission may be granted, however, under certain circumstances for commercial operators, subject to security clearance.

The Flight Safety Director emphasised the importance of adhering to these regulations to ensure public safety and national security.

For more information and to apply for commercial drone operation permits, persons may contact the JCAA at uavrequests@jcaa.gov.jm

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