Drone Laws in Chile

Last updated on April 14th, 2023 at 06:32 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Chile

Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC)

Drone Section of DGAC Website

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Chile

The Chilean agency responsible for drone safety, DGAC, has provided several 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 Chile?

DGAC states that drone use is allowed in Chile, subject to DGAC regulations. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules for flying a drone in Chile.

• To fly a drone in Chile, you must register the aircraft and request authorization from the DGAC. 
• You may only fly one unmanned aerial vehicle at a time. 
• Never fly at night or in inclement weather. 
• Avoid flying your drone beyond your line of sight or 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the operator. 
• Do not fly more than 130 meters above the ground (426 feet). 
• You must fly at least 20 meters (65 feet) above and 30 meters (98 feet) away from individuals not involved in the drone operation. 
• Avoid flying over areas where firefighters are working. 
• Avoid flying within a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) radius of an airport. 
• Avoid flying over highly sensitive areas such as government or military installations. 
• Flying is prohibited in Torres del Paine National Park and other areas designated as “no-drone zones.”

Registration

Anyone flying a drone in Chile must obtain a registration card, operating authorization, and RPAS remote pilot credentials from the DGAC.

To register, please get in touch with the DGAC with the following information:

• Manufacturer and country of origin 
• The manufacturer’s name, the model, and the serial number 
• Motorization type 
• Maximum weight for take-off. 
• Specifications of integrated technical equipment 
• Functions of autonomous flight 
• 10 x 15 cm color photograph of the UAV (jpeg format). 
• Demonstration of the emergency parachute in action.

After submitting this information, you will receive a registration card, which you should always keep when flying. This registration will be valid for 12 months and must be renewed.

DGAC Drone Registration Link

Licensing

To obtain a DGAC license authorizing you to fly, you must: 

• Be at least 18 years old. 
• Submit an affidavit before a notary stating that you have received theoretical and practical instruction on the drone model you will fly. 
• You must pass the written DAN 151, DAN 91, Meteorology, and Aerodynamics exams. Passing requires a minimum of 75% of the candidates. 
• The credentials will be valid for 12 months before being revalidated.

DGAC Drone License Request Link

Penalties

The nature and severity of your infraction will determine the amount and scope of the fine. The judges will also consider whether you committed the violation on purpose and for commercial gain. You could face fines of up to $36,000.

Additional Note For Foreign Operators

If you want to fly an unmanned aircraft, you must obtain a license, complete some training, carry a radio to monitor local air traffic control, and stay away from crowds and buildings. However, if your aircraft weighs less than 750 grams, you can fly in unpopulated areas with permission from the DGAC, Chile’s air traffic control.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Chile

You do not need a drone permit or license to fly in Chile if you intend to stay outside urban areas and fly a drone weighing less than 750 g (flying no more than 50 m above obstacles).

Recreational or private flights do not require authorization from the DGAC as long as the RAS is made of expanded polyethylene. Weight up to 750 grams. Only in private places with the authorization of the owner. Do not operate at more than 50 meters high. The operator must respond to any damage caused to third parties. DAN 91 Information

There are a few rules to follow within Chile’s permitted zones:

• Fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 130 meters. 
• Fly your drone during the day and keep it in sight. 
• Have third-party insurance valid in Chile (with a Spanish translation). 
• Keep at least 30 meters away from people when flying your drone (20 m vertically). 
• Fly at least 2 kilometers from airports (1 km for aerodromes), and heliports, and prioritize all other aircraft types. If you see another plane during your flight, you must land immediately. 
• Pilot a drone outfitted with a lighting system (to be more visible). 
• Tow or launch any objects from your drone unless you have permission. 
• Avoid flying your drone over public, military, or critical infrastructure. 
• Do not fly near a natural disaster or anywhere emergency personnel will be required to intervene. 
• have a drone parachute for drones weighing more than 750 g

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Chile

You do not need a drone permit or license to fly in Chile if you intend to stay outside urban areas and fly a drone weighing less than 750 g (flying 50 m above obstacles).

Any entity or person who performs aerial work for commercial purposes must obtain their Operator Certificate Air (AOC), in accordance with the provisions of the Aeronautical Standard DAN 119 “Standard for Obtaining a Certificate of Air Operator.” DAN 119 Information
and DAN 137 “Aerial Works.” DAN 137 Information

There are a few rules to follow within Chile’s permitted zones:

• Fly your drone at a maximum altitude of 130 meters. 
• Fly your drone during the day and keep it in sight. 
• Have third-party insurance valid in Chile (with a Spanish translation). 
• Keep at least 30 meters away from people when flying your drone (20 m vertically). 
• Fly at least 2 kilometers from airports (1 km for aerodromes), and heliports, and prioritize all other aircraft types. If you see another plane during your flight, you must land immediately. 
• Pilot a drone outfitted with a lighting system (to be more visible). 
• Tow or launch any objects from your drone unless you have permission. 
• Avoid flying your drone over public, military, or critical infrastructure. 
• Do not fly near a natural disaster or anywhere emergency personnel will be required to intervene. 
• have a drone parachute for drones weighing more than 750 g

For commercial flights or 750 g+ drones flying in urban areas, you will need:

• a license to fly
• to register your drone
• ask authorization systematically

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Useful published information on flying drones in Chile

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Chile…

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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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