Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Commonwealth of Dominica
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.
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Dominica
The Eastern Caribbean agency responsible for drone safety, ECCAA, has provided several details on flying for fun or work in Dominica. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Dominica?
According to ECCAA, drone use is allowed in Dominica. 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 Dominica:
- 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 Dominica.
- 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 in populous areas, including over highways, beaches, stadiums, sporting events, or festivities, without permission.
- 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.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Dominica
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.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Dominica
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.
Useful published information on flying drones in Dominica
Not much public information is available about the use of drones in Dominica.
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Dominica…
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.
Find out why we think you must use a Drone Preflight Checklist and a Drone Post-flight checklist
Free Drone Flight Checklist PDF
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Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.
NOW ITS YOUR TURN
Hi,
I’m wondering if I can get drone flight approval in the future for maximum altitude of 50ft to do advertising drone photography and video for Pagua Bay House which is near the Douglas Charles Airport.
Contact the regulator. You can find a link to their website at the top of this page
I live in Dominica and if you are using a DJI drone you can get unlocking approval since you will be just within the self unlocking zone at Pagua bay. Remember to fly safe and follow all rules laid out by DJI and the fly safe team. Ensure safe operation of your UAS and keep APAS and your sensors on at all times.