Ecuador already has regulations for the operation of RPAS – drone

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Ecuador already has a regulation for the operation of piloted aircraft commonly known as drones or technically as RPAS.

Los Remotely Piloted Aircraft System – RPAS in English, They already have a firm regulation for the operation of drones in Ecuadorian territory.

Previously we were able to learn more about the drone operation in Ecuador in this post:

How to operate or fly a drone in Ecuador?

In this new installment, We update the information based on the official regulation published on 4 November 2020 by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of Ecuador – DGAC.

Regulations governing the "Operation of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs)”

Art. 2.- Applicability.

1. (a) The requirements of this Regulation apply to:
   1. (1) remotely piloted aircraft operations (RPAs) used in activities
      civilians whose weight (time) maximum at takeoff (MTOW) sea superior a 0.25 Kilograms and less than or equal to 150 kilograms; and,
   2. (2) The people who operate an RPA.
      1. (b) The operation of aircraft of more than 150 kilograms of weight
         (time) maximum takeoff (MTOW). The AAC reserves the right to issue special permits based on the rules of this regulation., related to operations with RPAs that, due to its technical characteristics and its purpose of operation, which are carried out by public or private entities duly recognized or authorized for the exclusive purpose of
         scientific investigation, innovation and development.
      2. (c) These rules will not apply to:
         1. (1) Aeromodelling operation.
         2. (2) Operation with RPAs with MTOW less than 0.25 kilograms.
         3. fixed obos, kites, rockets, and radio controlled aircraft and free balloons
            manned.
         4. (4) Operations carried out by the Armed Forces, Customs or National Police
            within the scope of their functions.

Art. 3.- recreational operations.

The operations of RPAs exclusively for recreational activities will comply with the operating rules established in Chapter B..

Art. 4.- aerial work operations.

aerial work operations, in addition to complying with the operating rules of Chapter B and C, must have the corresponding operating permit in accordance with current regulations.

Art. 7.- Negligent or reckless operation of aircraft.

1. (a) The operation of the RPAs must be carried out in such a way that it does not endanger the safety of air operations., of people on the surface, of their property and wildlife.
2. (b) The operator of an RPA shall immediately suspend the flight, at any time when the safety of people, of property and wildlife is endangered as a result of this operation, or when you cannot comply with all the requirements of this chapter.
3. (c) Interrupted operations according to the literal (b) will not resume as long as the conditions generating the hazard are present.

Art. 14.- Operations in controlled airspace.

RPA operation in controlled airspace is prohibited, unless there is authorization from the AAC for said operation.

Art. 16.- Hours of operation.

Unless special authorization issued according to Chapter D of these Regulations, the RPAs will be operated in the hours between sunrise and sunset; and in visual meteorological conditions (VMC).

Art. 17.- maximum flight height.

The operation of the RPAs will not exceed at any time a flight height of 400 pies (122 meters) on the terrain (AGL).

Art. 18.- Operations in the vicinity of an aerodrome, heliport, forbidden zones, restricted areas, intangible zones, sensitive areas, strategic and state security zones.

RPA will not be operated:

1. (a) At a distance equal to or greater than 9 kilometres (5 NM) of the limits or boundaries of any aerodrome or State security zones or at a distance equal to or greater than 0.9 kilometres (0.5 NM) of the limits or boundaries of any heliport, whichever is more restrictive.
2. (b) In prohibited areas, restricted areas, intangible zones and state security zones determined by law.
3. (c) Within a radius of 9 kilometres (5 NM) of a forest fire zone.
4. (d) Close to people or properties whose operation involves violation of their
   personal and family privacy.
5. (e) At a distance less than 150 meters (500 ft) from prisons or social rehabilitation centers; except for the operation of RPAs of the National Comprehensive Care Service for Adults Deprived of Liberty and Adolescent Offenders (SNAI) that due to their powers and their own security surveillance activities in the CPL and CRS they must carry it out.

Art. 25.- Record.

Every RPA owner, You must register the aircraft at the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, in accordance with the following:

1. a) For aerial work services. – RPA whose weight (time) maximum takeoff (MTOW) is equal to or greater than 0.5 kilograms and not greater than 150 kilograms.
2. b) For recreational activities. – RPA whose weight (time) maximum takeoff (MTOW) is equal to or greater than 2 kilograms and not greater than 150 kilograms.

Note: The RPAs not contemplated in the literals to) y b) of this section are exempt from compliance with the Registry.

Art. 26.- insurance.

• Of 0,25 kg up to 25 kg weight (time) maximum takeoff (MTOW) – USD 3.000,00
  Of over 25 kg up to 50 kg weight (time) maximum takeoff (MTOW) – USD 6.000,00
  Of over 50 kg up to 150 kg weight (time) maximum takeoff (MTOW) – USD 12.000,00

This is a summary of some of the articles of the regulation, which in its entirety can be read in this space:

5-DGAC-DGAC-2020-0110-R-Regulation-of-RPAs

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