Drone Laws in Antigua and Barbuda

Last updated on March 16th, 2023 at 05:07 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in Antigua and Barbuda

Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority

The ECCAA does not have a website related to drones. Regulations related to drones or Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) are covered in the general aviation regulations.

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Antigua and Barbuda

Are drones allowed in UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Antigua and Barbuda?

According to ECCAA, drone use is allowed in Antigua and Barbuda. However, regulations are not mature and may be interpreted locally. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Antigua & Barbuda:

• Drone pilots must maintain Visual Line-of-Sight (VLOS) with the drone at all times, except where the ATC has granted permission to do otherwise.
• Scan the physical environment for potential obstacles or persons approaching.
• Maintain a safe distance of no less than 50ft from all obstacles, including buildings, persons, or structures.
• Follow any provisions and conditions issued by the appropriate authorities, particularly the ATC authorities.
• Follow all of the manufacturer’s recommended practices for the safe operation of the Drone.
• Do not operate from any seaport or airport and within any airport approach and departure path in Antigua and Barbuda.
• There should be no unauthorized operations within airport approach and departure areas, specifically within 2.5 – 3 miles north and south of the airport runway center line and 5 miles east and west of the threshold and end of the runway.
• Do not fly above 300 ft AGL.
• Do not fly closer than 100 ft laterally from vehicles or an open-air assembly of
  people.
• Do not fly without permission in populated areas, including over highways, beaches, stadiums, sporting events, or festivities.
• Do not fly within or over restricted and prohibited areas, including airports, military bases, prisons or official residences, government buildings, etc.
• Operating at night or in low visibility conditions without permission is prohibited.
• Do not deploy any unauthorized objects from the unit to the ground.
• Specific restricted areas are Pigotts, Fitches Creek, Cassada Gardens, Hodges Bay, Clare Hall, Potters, Skerritt’s Pasture, St Johnsons Village, the Antigua Recreation Grounds, H.M. Prison, Upper Gambles, and North Sound, including the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Additional restricted areas are Fort James, St Johns Harbor, and Codrington, Barbuda.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Antigua and Barbuda

Please see the general rules above. The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority has not created a separate framework of regulations for hobbyists versus commercial providers.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Antigua and Barbuda

Please see the general rules above. The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority has not created a separate framework of regulations for hobbyists versus commercial providers.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Antigua and Barbuda

Not much public information is available about the use of drones in Antigua and Barbuda. We recommend connecting directly with the ECCAA or using a licensed legal representative in Antigua and Barbuda for more details.

Here is a video of what you can expect using a drone in Antigua and Barbuda…

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NOTE: Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), Small UAS, Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), and drone are interchangeable terms unless specified. Model Aircraft, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.

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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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