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We review the Regulation of Non -manned aircraft (UAS) or drones in Ecuador And everything you need to know to fly them in a particular and safe way.
From the 2018 that the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of the Ecuador took the first steps to generate regulation and technically control the responsible and safe use of unmanned aircraft or commonly known as drones.
Thus, and over the years, regulations and regulations have been born until reaching the well-known RDAC. 101 which marks all the instruments necessary to control the operation of these, increasingly popular, aircraft. Thus, Today we are going to review its main characteristics that we must know to operate this equipment..
Of course, the regulation is broad and technical, So I recommend that you consult the details in detail, so that drone can fly safely and under the law, In this link.
Unmanned aircraft regulation (UAS) – drones in Ecuador Rdac 101
Unmanned aircraft (UAS), commonly known as drones, They have revolutionized various industries and recreational activities worldwide. On Ecuador, the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) has established clear regulations to regulate its operation, ensuring security and order in the airspace. In this article I am going to detail the most important aspects of the RDAC Regulation 101, that every UAS operator in Ecuador You must know.
What is RDAC 101?
La RDAC 101 is the regulation issued by the DGAC that establishes the requirements for the operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Ecuadorian airspace. This regulation applies to all people, both natural and legal, operennial, either for recreational purposes, private or aerial work, with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) up to 250 kg.
Exceptions to the Regulation
It is important to highlight that the RDAC 101 does not apply to:
- Air transport operations.
- Military Entities Operations, police and customs, except when these operations take place in controlled airspace or near aerodromes, in which case they must comply with Chapter B of the regulation.
- Unmanned aircraft operations in covered or confined spaces, unless you have a Special UAS Authorization from the DGAC.
Key definitions
To understand the RDAC 101, It is essential to become familiar with some important definitions:
- Unmanned aircraft (UA): Aircraft designed to fly without a pilot on board.
- Distance pilot: Person who operates a UAS.
- Operation with line-of-sight visibility (Vlos): Operation in which the remote pilot maintains direct visual contact with the unmanned aircraft throughout the flight.
- UAS Operation Certificate (Uoc): Certificate issued by the DGAC that authorizes a UAS operator to carry out specific aerial operations.
- Special UAS Flight Authorization: Authorization issued by the DGAC for operations that deviate from standard limitations.
Operation Categories
La RDAC 101 classifies UAS operations into three main categories and this is very important for us to be clear about:
- Open Category: Low risk operations with UAS up to 4 kg, made by natural persons for non -commercial purposes.
- Specific Category: Higher risk operations with up to 250 kg, including private air services or aerial work, or any operation that deviates from the restrictions of the open category.
- Certified Category: High -risk operations, similar to manned aviation, that require special certifications and licenses (currently reserved until ICAO establishes standards).
Operating Rules (Chapter B)
Chapter B of the RDAC 101 establishes general operating rules for UAS, that apply to all categories:
- Record: All UAS must be registered with the DGAC.
- Distance pilot: Must have an authorization from the DGAC and be responsible for the safe operation of the UAS.
- Flight conditions: Restrictions are established on the maximum operating height (400 pies AGL), night flights, Flights on people, and operation near airfields.
- Operational limitations: The use of equipment such as transponders and ADS-B in UAS is prohibited.
- OPERATIONS M, EVLES AND BVLOS: Requirements for flights within line of sight are defined, with extended line of sight and beyond line of sight.
Operations in Open Category (Capítulo C)
The open category is designed for low-risk recreational operations. Some of the key rules include:
- Restrictions: It is not allowed to fly over people or endanger third parties.
- Minimum age: The distance pilot must have at least 14 years (with adult supervision).
- Knowledge: The pilot must review the basic induction material provided by the DGAC.
Operations in Specific Category (Chapter D)
The specific category covers higher risk operations, such as aerial work and private services. The requirements are more stringent and include:
- risk assessment: The operator must carry out an operational risk assessment.
- Permits and certificates: An operating permit and UAS Operation Certificate are required. (Uoc).
- Airworthiness: The UA must comply with specific airworthiness conditions.
UAS Operation Certificate (Uoc) (Chapter E)
The UOC is a certificate required to operate in the specific category. This certificate authorizes the operator to carry out specific air operations and is valid for 24 months, renewable if the requirements established by the DGAC are met.
Remote Pilot Authorization (Chapter F)
To operate a UAS, The remote pilot must obtain authorization from the DGAC. The requirements include:
- Eligibility: Meet the age and aptitude requirements.
- Knowledge exam: Pass a theoretical exam on the RDAC 101.
- License conversion: Conversion of remote pilot licenses issued by other countries is allowed, provided certain requirements are met.
Special UAS Flight Authorization (Chapter G)
In cases where the proposed operations deviate from the standard limitations, You can request a Special UAS Flight Authorization from the DGAC. The DGAC will evaluate the security of the operation and may issue the authorization with specific conditions.
Other important aspects
- Registration of UAS: All UAS must be registered with the DGAC, and an identification mark must be displayed on the aircraft.
- Recreational operations in clubs or associations: Flight guidelines are established in sports or recreational competitions and activities.
- Civil Liability Insurance: Insurance is required to cover damages to third parties.
- Operational safety management (SMS): UAS operators must implement an Operational Safety Management System.
The RDAC regulation 101 provides a comprehensive regulatory framework for the safe operation of unmanned aircraft in Ecuador. Whether you are a recreational enthusiast or a commercial operator, It is crucial to understand and comply with these regulations to ensure the safety of everyone in the airspace.. In doing so, You will contribute to the responsible and sustainable growth of the drone industry in the country.
Yes OK, There is still much to be developed, such as the drone registration system or the regulations applicable in case of non-compliance with the regulation., It is an important step to continue advancing in updating the operation of these unmanned aircraft and getting closer to the regional standard on the matter..
Being a regulation in process, The DGAC created this website with all the material you need to know to fly drones and they will surely update it permanently: www.aviacioncivil.gob.ec/aeronaves-no-tripuladas/
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