Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Azerbaijan
State Civil Aviation Authority of Azerbaijan (CAA)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Azerbaijan
The Azerbaijan agency responsible for drone safety, CAA, has provided many internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Azerbaijan?
According to CAA, drones are restricted for private drone pilots but allowed for commercial use in Azerbaijan, subject to CAA regulations. Read on for details.
Here are the most important rules for flying a drone in Azerbaijan.
In Azerbaijan, unmanned flight systems should have the same safety standards as manned flying objects. The regulations mentioned here are for commercial drone pilots. There are no rules for private drone pilots yet.
It should be noted that there are several reports that drones were seized by customs officials at the airport, saying a permit was necessary. Currently, three groups of copters are listed in Azerbaijan and classified as follows:
- Small Unmanned Aircraft up to 20 kilograms
- Light UAS with more than 20 kilograms and less than 150 kilograms
- UAS with more than 150 kilograms starting mass
There is a registration requirement for Light UAS and UAS with the State Civil Aviation Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CAA).
- Multicopters should always be within the line of sight of the pilot during the flight.
- The maximum permitted distance is 500 meters (= 1700 feet). Flights outside these limits are possible. However, your drone requires a detect and avoid system for such flights to avoid collisions in the air. The normal FPV equipment is not recognized as such.
- Drones shall not approach cities and settlements closer than 150 meters.
- The drone must keep a distance of 50 meters from persons, vehicles, and other structures not involved in the flight. This distance may be reduced to 30 meters during take-off and landing.
- Drones are prohibited from operating in any aerodrome/airport traffic zone except with the permission of either the appropriate ATC unit or the person in charge of the aerodrome/airport.
- Drones may not fly over 400 feet above ground level.
- During take-off or landing, the UAV must not be flown within 30 meters (98 feet) of any person unless that person is part of the drone operation.
Additional Note For Foreign Operators:
The import of drones in the country is tied to restrictions as well as requiring a flight permit. If you want to import your drone through the airport without a prior permit, your drone may be confiscated at the airport and returned to you on your departure.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Azerbaijan
No rules have been published for private drone flights. Please check directly with the CAA for updates or special permission.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Azerbaijan
All commercial users are obligated to have liability insurance.
Commercial pilots require an operating permit in each weight class.
You also have to prove your qualifications as a pilot. Currently, there are no special licenses, so any record of your experiences should be sufficient.
Useful published information on flying drones in Azerbaijan
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Azerbaijan…
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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