Have drone? Get license

MANILA, Philippines–The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Tuesday called on owners of drones to register their equipment before they would be allowed to fly them, or face a fine of up to P500,000.

CAAP Deputy Director for Operations Gen. Rodante Joya (ret.) issued the reminder since the agency had yet to receive a single drone registration application.

“How could we allow drones when we have not received any applications? They have to register first,” Joya said in an interview.

“What we need is to register all drones. Safety is our utmost concern. In the event people are hurt, we know who to hold accountable,” Joya said.

For the unauthorized flight of drones, violators may face fines of between P300,000 and P500,000 per apprehension, the CAAP said.

Once the drones are registered, users will be briefed on the limitations on their use.

“They cannot fly drones over congregations of people, on busy streets, near government buildings and installations, especially within airports due to safety concerns,” Joya said.

He said that operators of drones, otherwise known as Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, must register at the Flight Standard Inspectorate Service of the CAAP.

From there, drone users, who are mostly photographers and media members, may get their license to operate.

For the coming visit of Pope Francis, however, the CAAP and the national organizing committee for the papal visit have imposed a no-drone policy during its duration.

For the ongoing Sinulog Festival in Cebu City, a no-drone policy will also be implemented except for media crews covering it.