Drone Laws in Fiji

Summary of Drone Laws in Fiji

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Fiji

Drone Regulator in Fiji: Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF)

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Fiji

The Fiji agency responsible for drone safety, CAAF, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more information, go to the link above.

Are drones allowed in Fiji?

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

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

• Drones are not permitted to be operated within three kilometers (two miles) of a domestic airport or five kilometers (three miles) of an international airport or airfield. 
• Vertically, do not fly the drone higher than 200 feet. 
• Avoid flying drones in a way that could jeopardize the safe operation of aircraft. 
• At all times, maintain visual contact with the drone. 
• Avoid flying over airports, heliports, fuel depots, private residences, moving vehicles, densely populated areas, or sporting events. 
• Operators must not fly Drones over sensitive areas such as hospitals, prisons, government institutions, the House of Parliament, police stations, or military barracks and facilities. 
• Without prior permission from the resort’s management, do not operate drones at resorts.

Both recreational and commercial flying require permits from CAAF. 

Licensing

You don’t need a licence to fly a drone for recreational purposes but you will need to know your Regulations and the scope of what you are allowed and not allowed to do. For Commercial Operations, you will have to have undergone formal RPAS training with an approved institution.

A Very Small to Small Unmanned aircraft may only be flown in Fiji by: (a) the holder of the appropriate qualification, namely a Basic sub 2kg drone issued by one of the organizations specified in paragraph 3.7, who is operating in compliance with any limitations or conditions attached to that qualification, or (b) a person who is undergoing training at an authorised RPAS Company and who is operating in compliance with any rules, limitations, or conditions required by that organization, or CAAF.

A Medium Unmanned Aircraft may be flown in Fiji by: (a) the holder of the Remote Pilots License (RePL) or equivalent appropriate qualification who is operating in compliance with any limitations or conditions attached to that qualification.

A Large Unmanned Aircraft may be flown in Fiji by: (a) the holder of the Remote Pilots License (RePL) or equivalent appropriate qualification , who is operating in compliance with any limitations or conditions attached to that qualification, and (b) Hold a current Instrument Rating (Single or Multi).

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Fiji

Recreational drone users should use the form “OP 137 – Issue of Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Declaration and Permit for Recreational Use Only” when applying for a permit. Please email it to drones@caaf.org.fj

There is no fee required for a recreational drone permit when you apply directly. Several service companies may charge you a fee starting at USD 50 to submit your application on your behalf. 

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Fiji

Commercial drone users should use the form “OP138 – Application for Authorisation to Operate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems in Fiji” when applying for a permit. Please email it to drones@caaf.org.fj

Commercial operators using drones greater than 7 kg are subject to additional regulations. In these instances, you must possess a pilot’s license. 

Permits for commercial drone use will require payment of an undisclosed fee.

Commercial RPAS operators must apply for an Authorisation using the appropriate CAAF form. A written authorisation must be received from CAAF prior to the conduct of flights. Furthermore, such RPAS must meet internationally recognised standards, and the persons or organisations that construct, maintain, and operate them must be qualified or certificated in a manner acceptable to the Authority.

Application for the issue of Authorisations

An applicant for the issue of an Authorisation to operate an RPAS commercially must submit the following to the Authority:-

For RPAS below 2kg:

• A sub 2K Basic Drone Course certification or equivalent
• Letter of Intent
• Liability and Third Party Insurance Cover from a recognised Insurance broker that has dealt with Unmanned Aircraft Operations Insurance.

For RPAS above 2kg:

All of the documents listed above including the following additional documentation listed below must also be submitted:

• Remote Pilot License or Evidence to satisfy the Authority of the competence of the person nominated to carry out test flights.

For RPAS above 7kg net weight (excluding payload):

All of the documents listed above including the following additional documentation listed below must also be submitted:

• Complete records to demonstrate that the aircraft has been maintained as required.
• An unmanned aircraft flight manual appropriate to the original type certification.
• Satisfactory ground and flight test reports to a format previously agreed by the Authority.
• A maintenance inspection programme. This must include details of any special techniques specified by the manufacturer, and details of each mandatory replacement or inspection interval.
• Maintenance instructions regarding disassembly, transport, storage, an reassembly to airworthy condition where major components are designed to be removed for this purpose.
• Evidence to satisfy the Authority of the competence of the person nominated to maintain the aircraft.
• A Company Operations Manual, including a hazard identification and risk assessment system program.
• Liability and Third Party Insurance Cover from a recognised Insurance broker that has dealt with Unmanned Aircraft Operations Insurance.

Application for the renewal of Authorisations

Applicants for the renewal of an authorisation to fly must submit up to date and valid documents specified above.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Fiji

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

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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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