Drone Laws in Brazil

Summary of Drone Laws in Brazil

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Federative Republic of Brazil

National Civil Aviation Agency – Department of Airspace Management

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Brazil

The Brazilian agency responsible for drone safety, ANAC, 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 Brazil?

According to ANAC, drone use is allowed in Brazil, subject to ANAC regulations. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Brazil:

Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) are divided into three classes based on their maximum takeoff weight, which includes battery/fuel and any possible payload. This classification is only applicable to RPA and not to model aircraft.

• Class 1 – Maximum takeoff weight greater than 150 kg
• Class 2 – Maximum takeoff weight greater than 25 kg and less than 150 kg
• Class 3 – Maximum takeoff weight less than 25 kg
  • Model aircraft or RPA with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 250g
  • RPA with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 250g and less than 25 kg

Flying your drones in Brazil is legally allowed. National Civil Aviation Authority established Brazil’s drone regulations and rules that all recreational and commercial drone operators must follow. If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, it must be registered with ANAC, just like almost every other country.

• Drone pilots must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
• Drone pilots cannot operate more than one drone at the same time.
• Drone pilots must always maintain a visual line of sight with their drones.
• Drone pilots flying a drone that weighs over .55 lbs (250g) must hold insurance that covers damage to third parties.
• Any drone that weighs over .55 lbs (250g) must be registered in ANAC’s Unmanned Aircraft System (SISANT), and the registration ID must be accessible on the UAV. Access the registry here.
• As a general rule, drones that weigh over .55 lbs (250g) may only fly in areas 98 feet (30m) or more away from people not involved in the flight, under the full responsibility of the pilot operator and according to rules of use of the Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) airspace. If there is a protective barrier between the equipment and the persons specified, this distance need not be observed.
• Flying is not allowed over prisons, military facilities, or other critical infrastructure.
• Flying is not allowed 98 feet (30m) or less from a building.
• Flying is not allowed over people.
• If flying three to five nautical miles from an airport, the maximum altitude allowed is 100 feet. If flying five miles from an airport, the maximum altitude allowed is 100 to 400 feet. Flights closer to an airport than three miles require a NOTAM issued by SARPAS.
• To fly a drone that weighs over .55 lbs (250g) closer than 98 feet (30m) to people, the people must agree in advance to the operation.
• Autonomous operations of drones (that is, the use of drones where the remote pilot cannot intervene) are prohibited. Autonomous drone operations differ from automated drone operations, in which the remote pilot can intervene at any point.
• Depending on the details of your operations, a license might be required.

Permit and registration

Any drone above 250 g has to be registered in Brazil. The age limit for such drones is 18, and you must have third-party insurance. 

Before you can fly your drone in Brazil, if your quadcopter weighs more than 250 grams, it must be registered. 

If you plan to fly in prohibited zones such as historical sites to get close footage or during nighttime. You will need to email rpas.ggcp@anac.gov.br to get a letter of authorization. 

To strengthen your case to make the whole approval process easier, you will need the following documents:

• A valid proof of drone insurance.
• A valid proof of remote pilot license.
• Drone serial number/model / make.
• Your contact information.
• Flight plan and risk assessment.

Registering your Drone

Registration in the Unmanned Aircraft System (SISANT) is mandatory for unmanned aircraft for recreational use (model aircraft) or non-recreational (RPA), with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 250g and limited to 25kg and that will not fly beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) or above 400 feet (120 meters) above ground level.

One registration must be made per aircraft, and each piece of equipment must be linked to a person or a company in Brazil that will be legally responsible for the aircraft.

To register, it is necessary to inform the following:

– Personal data (name, address, CPF, email)

– Legal entity data (CNPJ), if applicable

– Aircraft data (name, model, manufacturer, serial number, and photo that identifies the aircraft)

– A nine-digit combination will be the equipment’s identification number. This identification must be affixed in a visible place on the aircraft

– Include a photo of the aircraft with some feature or brand produced by the owner of the drone, the serial number of the equipment or any other signal that may differentiate the aircraft

The system generates a certificate (mandatory postage document in all operations).

Register here for SISANT: sistemas.anac.gov.br/sisant.

Drone airworthiness certificate (CAER) in Brazil

Drones models heavier than 25 kg & used for commercial use need to be authorized by ANAC before purchase to obtain an airworthiness certificate (CAER) for your drone in Brazil.

Drone fly Map 

You should not fly above or near military installations, archaeological sites & strategic infrastructure. Fly away from airports & any aerodromes or airports in the country.

National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities.

Penalties

The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes for doing such. However, Brazilian authorities specify that you will fall under Law No. 7,565 / 86 (CBA)’s scope.

Additional Notes for Foreign Operators

Foreign operators are also subject to the same rules as national operators and should obtain all the local licenses to operate RPA.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Brazil

Brazil does not differentiate between commercial & recreational drone uses. Both are subject to some restrictions & a code of conduct. Additionally, different rules will apply depending on the weight of your drone & where you want to fly the drone.

In Brazil, drone laws fall under the management of the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) & the Department of Airspace Management. 

Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) are divided into three classes based on their maximum takeoff weight, which includes battery/fuel and any possible payload. This classification is only applicable to RPA and not to model aircraft.

• Class 1 – Maximum takeoff weight greater than 150 kg
• Class 2 – Maximum takeoff weight greater than 25 kg and less than 150 kg
• Class 3 – Maximum takeoff weight less than 25 kg
  • Model aircraft or RPA with a maximum takeoff weight of less than 250g
  • RPA with a maximum takeoff weight greater than 250g and less than 25 kg

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Brazil

Brazil does not differentiate between commercial & recreational drone uses. Both are subject to some restrictions & a code of conduct. Additionally, depending on the weight of your drone & where you want to fly your drone, different rules will apply.

In Brazil, drone laws fall under the management of the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) & the Department of Airspace Management. 

Brazil will differentiate your drone based on its weight:

• drones weighing less than 250 g
• drones weighing between 250 g & 25 kg (class 3)
• drones weighing between 25 kg & 150 kg (class 2)
• drone weighing more than 150 kg (class 1)

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Useful published information on flying drones in Brazil

Here is a video of some of the drone highlights one might capture using your drone in Brazil…

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: 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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