The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has issued a stern warning to all drone operators and the general public, emphasizing that compliance with safe and responsible drone operation is mandatory under Guyana’s laws. The irresponsible and unlawful use of drones presents significant risks to public safety, national security, and personal privacy.
Drone users are reminded that the following directives are legally binding and must be strictly observed:
Permission Required: The Pilot in Command of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV/Drone) is strictly prohibited from operating the aircraft over or near private or public property without first obtaining explicit permission from the property owner.
Distance Regulations: Drones are expressly forbidden from operating within 150 meters of any congested area, organized open-air assembly, or within 100 meters of any vessel, vehicle, or structure not under the operator’s control.
Safe Distance Maintenance: Operators must maintain a minimum safe distance of 50 meters (164 feet) vertically or horizontally from any person, property, or structure not under their direct control, unless explicit written authorization has been granted by the GCAA.
Penalties for Violations: Any breach of these regulations constitutes a serious criminal offense, leading to fines of up to GYD 1,000,000 and/or imprisonment for up to two years.
Permit Compliance: Non-compliance with permit conditions or operating outside the limitations specified in the GCAA UAV Directive (Operation and Surveillance of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles | GCAA/ASR/DIR/2017-01), or failure to adhere to an approved operations manual will result in the immediate suspension of UAV/Drone permits and prosecution for breaching GCAA regulations.
To ensure compliance and prevent violations, the GCAA is urging the public to observe the above regulations diligently. Additionally, the public is encouraged to report any unauthorized operations or suspicious and unsafe drone activity to the nearest police station or contact the GCAA safety hotline at 608-4222.
The GCAA is committed to enforcing these regulations rigorously to safeguard the well-being of all citizens.
