Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of Malawi
Malawi’s Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) does not have an accessible website: Malwai Government Official Site
Updated July 14, 2022
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Malawi
The Malawi agency responsible for drone safety, DCA, has provided a number of details on flying a drone for fun or for work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details, you must contact the DCA by email at director@civilaviation.gov.mw.
Are drones allowed in Malawi?
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Malawi
- When flying a drone for personal/recreational purposes, no license or registration is required. However, regardless of whether you are flying recreationally or commercially, you must obtain permission from the DCA before each flight. The section below discusses commercial registration and license requirements.
- Without prior permission, do not fly a drone within 30 meters (98 feet) of groups of people, sports fields, road races, schools, social gatherings, or private property.
- Avoid flying drones near crewed aircraft.
- Within ten kilometers (six miles) of an airport, helipad, airfield, or aerodrome, do not fly.
- Avoid flying in restricted, controlled, or prohibited airspace.
- Vertically, do not fly higher than 45 meters (150 feet).
- While flying, drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight with their drones.
- Drones should be operated only during daylight hours and in clear weather.
Registration and Licensing Requirements for Flying a Drone in Malawi
To fly a drone commercially, corporately, or for charitable purposes, the drone pilot must meet the following requirements:
- The drone must be registered with the DCA.
- The operator must obtain an RPA Operator Certificate (ROC) issued by the DCA. To get a drone license, submit your application to: director@civilaviation.gov.mw
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Malawi
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by contacting the DCA
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Malawi
To fly a drone commercially, corporately, or for charitable purposes, the drone pilot must meet the following requirements:
- The drone must be registered with the DCA.
- The operator must obtain an RPA Operator Certificate (ROC) issued by the DCA. To get a drone license, submit your application to: director@civilaviation.gov.mw
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by contacting the DCA
Useful published information on flying drones in Malawi
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Malawi…
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, toy, remote-controlled, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
Traveling with a Drone?
Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.
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