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a new topic, closely related to aviation continues to take center stage in the country's day-to-day life and in public opinion. Here we will try to answer the question in the easiest way, how to operate or fly a drone in Ecuador?
UAVs – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles by its acronym in Spanish or UAV – Unmanned Aerial Vehicle in English, they are a worldwide trend and every day their use and application for both personal and commercial use is increasing and in Ecuador their use has begun to generate controversy.
the drones, they are remotely piloted equipment and can be operated by anyone without prior training or without any preparation or license, like for example if it happens with hot air balloons, ultralight and others.
Initially, these teams had a military origin for reconnaissance or attack missions, but their variety of forms and applications have made them an attractive tool to generate income for manufacturing companies as well as for individuals seeking to offer their aerial photography and video services..
Its uses are infinite and being accessible by price in the most basic and less sophisticated versions from $100 dollars or less, to state-of-the-art drones with full HD cameras, great autonomy and more about the $3.000 dollars is that its use must be regulated for the security and privacy of people, as well as for the safety of the country's airport operations.
There have already been several cases in which drones flown by civilians near airports have generated more than one scare, for example in Argentina, a drone hit a commercial plane, luckily without carrying major problems than a blow, but because of the size that these teams have, They could cause serious and dangerous damage if they hit the cabin, for example., fuel tank or engine of any aircraft.
Regulation of drones in Ecuador
With date 17 September 2015, Ecuador took its first step towards regulating the operation of drones in the country. in resolution 251-2015 is detailed:
First article.- Approve the establishment of complementary provisions that regulate the Operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) or known as ORONES or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), the same as detailed below:
Art. 1 Operations in the vicinity of an aerodrome
- The operation of RPAS/UAS in controlled airspace is prohibited.
- The operation of the RPAS/UAS will be maintained throughout the duration of the flight, to one
- Distance equal to or greater than 9 kilometres (5 NM) in the vicinity of any aerodrome or
- military air base.
Art. 2 maximum flight height
The operation of the RPAS/UAS will not exceed at any time a flight height of 400 pies (122 meters) on the terrain (AGL).
Art. 3 Hours of operation
The RPAS/UAS will be operated only in the hours between sunrise and sunset; and in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), cloud free, fog, precipitation or any other condition that obstructs or may obstruct permanent visual contact with the RPAS/UAS.
Art. 4 Responsibility for the operation
(a) The person who operates the RPAS/UAS controls will be responsible for its general operation throughout the flight., jointly and severally with the operator or owner of the aircraft.
Art. 5 Physiological integrity of the operator of an RPA
No person shall operate the controls of an RPAS/UAS if:
- is fatigued, or if you think you might suffer the effects of fatigue during the operation;
- You are under the influence of alcohol consumption, or of any drug that could impair your ability to operate the controls safely.
Art. 6 Automation features
If the RPAS/UAS have the ability to perform automatic flight, this function can only be used if it allows the operator of the controls to intervene at any time to take immediate control of the aircraft.
Art. 7 Limitations
The person who operates the controls of an RPAS/UAS is responsible for ensuring that it is operated in accordance with the operational limitations established by the manufacturer..
Art. 8 insurance
The owner or operator of the RPAS/UAS are obliged to respond for damages caused to third parties., as a result of your flying activities, for which you must contract the third party legal civil liability insurance policy in the minimum amounts established in the table below:
| Of 02 a 25 Kg. maximum takeoff mass (MTOW) | USD 3.000,00 |
| Of over 25 Kg. maximum takeoff mass (MTOW) | USD 5.000,00 |
Art. 9 Compliance with local laws and regulations
Compliance with these provisions, does not exempt the RPAS/UAS operator from complying with applicable local laws and regulations.
How to operate or fly a drone in Ecuador?
The first thing you should keep in mind is that you must comply with the Regulation 251-2015 and respect all articles, mainly those operating near airports, the maximum flight height above the ground, hours of operation and have third-party liability insurance according to the maximum weight of the equipment.
All points are very important, but those above, they are the ones that drone pilots consulted have indicated as fundamental.
Before any current regulation, you should always fly safely, both for you and for other people and respect the privacy of third parties, something fundamental.
Currently, In Ecuador there is no need to have a license or to take related classes as there is in other countries such as the United States., and for now, There is no typification in the law on criminal responsibilities when operating these aircraft in an irresponsible and unregulated manner, but sure, this will change soon.
Equally, the improper use of these is not yet penalized or typified in Ecuadorian law, but the authorities know that they are already working on it, as well as the inappropriate use of lasers against aircraft.
Opinion
Andres Sanchez – Altavista Ecuador:
Mainly you have to divide the equipment by its characteristics. In the main I consider 3 categories, the first drones that do not reach greater heights we are talking about that do not exceed the 10 O 20 meters high that are toys really, These do not imply greater risk nor do they require greater knowledge from the pilot.. Then there are the teams that outreach already outperform 120 meters high, which are already a potential risk if they are operated without following the safety parameters.
And finally, there are the teams for fumigation for agricultural control that require certified pilots..
Once with this clear, the corresponding entity should open a course for pilots depending on their category. As it is normally a license for a vehicle that has its categorization.
In the first instance, online courses could be handled and with this, most drone owners would have access to this course.. I also think it is very important
Do you want to comment in this space? Send me your point of view to [email protected].
Application and use of drones
- events.
- People Search.
- Forest Fire Control.
- archaeological investigations.
- geological purposes.
- Fun.
- Free internet signal distribution.
- Cartography.
- Transportation and delivery of goods.
- Agriculture.
- Cine.
- Zoology
- Others.
Airbus press photo We start a review of the most important news, drones have been gradually gaining space, mainly in its various commercial applications being protagonists in advertising videos for companies or for tourist dissemination in the country.
Can you fly drones in Galapagos?
It should be noted, that the use and flight of drones in Galapagos is prohibited by the Law of the Galapagos National Park – PNG to prevent damage to the delicate ecosystem of the islands, since the animals, mainly birds, they could get scared or hit with these aircraft. Its use in the Islands is only allowed for strictly research and monitoring use or with a strict special permit for commercial use..
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I have a mavic mini drone and a phantom 4 and we go to the galapagos islands to do a report for a magazine,,, I have the A1 and A3 permits and the professional….. Do you know the address where I can request permission to fly in Galapagos?????????
THANKS A LOT.
Hello Xavier, in the Quito DAC is in the 10 August and Buenos Aires.
I can buy a drone there in Ecuador ? A Dj 2 for instance . Then you wouldn't have to pay any tax ?
Correct, drones are sold here.
Thank you I appreciate it
Dear Nicholas, is there a list of places where ultralight drones can be flown without permission?
We have a DJI Mavic mini, the lightest on the market.
Thank you for your answer.
Kind regards.
Hello Sofia, there is no listing, but you can fly it as long as you are not near airports and the indicated distance.
Hello there,
You must have a license to fly drones weighing more than 250 grams?
Why, I want to know, If I buy a DJI mavic air 2 Do I have to have a license or do I buy a DJI mavic mini.
It is also allowed to bring a drone from the United States in a box, sealed, as for personal use?
There are no drone licenses in Ecuador.
It is allowed to bring a drone from the United States to Ecuador in a box, sealed, as for personal use?
There are restrictions to bring drone batteries by plane to Ecuador?
You can bring, without paying taxes, nn drone up to USD 500,oo, new or used.
Good Morning, I'm going to buy a DJI spark to record personal videos as a hobby, I will be able to fly the drone in the arquebla carolina and in the metropolitan? Thanks in advance.
You could consult in the DGAC.
What type of certificate does an operator require? And how is the experience guaranteed??
We quote the insurance of a UAV for a GAD, Among the requirements is the following «EXPRESS GUARANTEES: OPERATORS: Any operator duly certified for the flight involved, subject to the individual having successfully completed the Initial training course or having a minimum of 20 hours of UAV experience. Full compliance with all the regulations detailed in the Civil Aviation Law according to the resolution 251/2015 on the use of UAVs.
We have been calling the DGAC phones, for information but they do not answer like the emails. For the issuance of the policy they only ask me for the data of the operator. But in case of an accident I am sure that if we are going to request the certification of the DGAC. Please help
Nicholas thanks for the contribution. Do you know if you can fly in Quito near the bicentennial?? I understand that there is a takeoff point for firefighting helicopters but I don't know if it falls within the regulation. Greetings
I recommend you check with the DGAC, I would understand that it is not possible.
I need to make a flight with the drone near Macas airport (Morona-Santiago ) it is for a topographical survey , is there any way to ask permission for a couple of hours . i need ur help
You would have to talk to the DGAC, in any case, the drone system itself will not let you fly in 5 miles near the airport.
I'm in the same situation, I must do cartography near the Macas airport, For the moment I have programmed the unlocking of the GEO zones of the drone, I don't know if this is enough. If you have more information or progress on the subject, I would appreciate it if you could share it on the blog., after the holiday I will do some tests, If I have any positive result I will post it here.
The DGAC issues authorizations for the operation of RPAS. A document must be submitted to the Airport Administration with basic information on the proposed operation. Once the information has been reviewed, it is coordinated with Air Traffic Management for the issuance of the respective NOTAM..
Nicholas thanks for your contribution. The information you provide is current? Because the legislation of Spain is much more advanced and it had in mind that. But here it varies a bit. And you already know some place in Ecuador that issues a license to fly drones. And the cost of that course..
Yes, it is the most current and in Ecuador there is no place that issues licenses.
Hello there. Do you know of any insurer that fully covers me?, the drone and any damage to third parties? It is for a DJI inspire 2. Thanks.
I only know about them: https://www.facebook.com/hobbyecuador/posts/1045045298859594
I'm going to Ecuador in 2 week and I'm German, Is there something wrong with the input or output of a DJI Phantom 4 ?
you shouldn't have any problem, since you enter as a tourist and the DJI is used.
many thanks.
hello someone who from drone classes I have a high-end one|media please here I leave my wasap 0961530090
Sorry, I want to buy a mavic air since I like photography, I understand that being Ecuadorian I must pay a fee if the drone costs more than 500usd?? And another question, every time I go on vacation and return to the country I will have to pay that fee?
Yes, when you bring the new drone and it costs more than $500, you will have to pay taxes. It will only be the first time you bring it, the next times it will be used and you must show that you have already paid the taxes by keeping all the proof of purchase and payment of taxes.
how much are those taxes?
Surely you find the info in the SENAE.
Excuse me where can I get a license to drive a drone?
Currently, there are no licenses for drones in Ecuador.
Can you fly a mavic2 pro in ecuador?
Yeah right, as long as the rules are followed.
Sr. Nicolas Larenas.
Nice to greet you.
I have a lemon plantation in Esmeraldas.
I need following information:
-sell drones to fumigate , if not ,has contact.
-does maintenance
-purchase advisor , driving , maintenance , spare parts,
I thank you in advance.
My Wasapp is +593 989 251 593
I can help you throughout the process in advisory mode.
Good Morning. I am a foreigner and I would like to know if I can fly the DRONE along the boardwalk 2000 and the rocks ( Santa Ana Hill), Guayaquil . A person told me that I need a permit from the municipality. Please let me know what should I do. Thanks.
Hello Ramon, you shouldn't have a problem, as these public spaces, but to avoid problems, you could consult with the Municipality.
Hello there. I am Spanish, I am going to travel for leisure from January to April through South America. I am a user (unprofessional) from a mavic air. Is there any problem to enter the country with the drone? Do I have to pay any fees or go through any registration??
I repeat that I do not use it as a professional, I do not give it commercial use.
And I've already seen that in Galapagos you can't fly.
No, you have no problem entering with a drone, you will not have to pay anything, since it is used and you are not Ecuadorian enough to pay taxes.
Sorry, In which article or chapter mentions the prohibition of drones in the Galapagos National Park?.
you can find it here: http://www.galapagos.gob.ec/permisos-autorizaciones/. It can only be done with a special permit and which has a cost.
Let me clarify that point.. The DGAC issues an authorization for the operation of RPAS, prior coordination with Air Navigation. Authorization is free of charge.. If the GADs have a procedure for charging, these are not within the scope of the Aeronautical Authority.
Thank you Juan Carlos, good information
a fart, could be a drone?
Depends on how dense it is…
Fatal what I just read according to them they want to set rules for flying a drone I don't think it's normal to say a toy drone with a professional drone and an ultra-professional drone say that everything has its limits and insurance 3000 dollars that people are crazy, not even in large developed countries do they ban this topic and Ami in Ecuador only happens as the inspectors and those in the offices would like to earn a little extra in the black by passing certificates but if there is no money to pay for the course and you are already applying for insurance 3000 dollars and 5000 dollars, please, people are getting sick every time, notice that you are in Ecuador, do not copy it, that the US or the EU have you lack experience to be able to prohibit, you have no idea what a drone is, as long as you say prohibited, and if you look at a drone x there, you know, you have to pay some extra money so that they don't steal the drone….
Ignorant. What danger if a drone falls into your hands!
9 km, In other words, drones cannot be flown in all of Guayaquil., he's too crazy
That's what the regulation says..