Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the United Mexican States (Mexico)
Mexico Secretaria de Communicacaciones Y Transportes (Secretariat of Communications and Transport)
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC)Drone Regulations (In Spanish)
Drone regulations (In Spanish)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Mexico
The Mexican agency responsible for drone safety, DGAC, has provided a number of internet-accessible details on flying for fun or for work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Mexico?
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Mexico:
The Mexican Drone laws enumerate drones into three classes:
- Micro UAV: UAVs in this category weigh 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or less. Micro UAVs can be flown without authorization from the AA, but if used for commercial activities they should have third party liability insurance, among other conditions. They can be flown up to 400 feet above ground level and no more than 1,500 feet from the operator within the visual line of sight.
- Light UAVs: UAVs in this category weigh between 2 kilograms and 25 kilograms (55 pounds). Light UAVs flown for recreational purposes can only be flown on the grounds of a recognized model aircraft club. Light UAVs flown for commercial purposes must be registered with the DGAC and must display license plates. In addition, each individual commercial UAV flight must be authorized by the AA beforehand.
- Heavy UAVs: UAVs in this category weigh over 25 kilograms. Heavy UAVs must adhere to all the rules that apply to light drones. In addition, heavy UAVs must follow the terms and conditions approved by the DGAC. Heavy UAV operators must have a pilot’s license.
Each weight class is regulated distinctly for recreational and commercial use only.
Operations are permitted only in daylight (unless a written exception is granted from the FAA), and in areas not classified as prohibited, restricted, or dangerous.
All UAVs must stay 9.2 kilometers (5.72 miles) away from controlled airports, 3.7 kilometers (2.3 miles) away from uncontrolled airfields, and 900 meters (985 yards) from helicopter pads.
All UAVs must not drop objects that may cause damage to people or property.
UAVs cannot be flown over people or animals.
Operators, whether individuals or corporations are required to respect all laws and regulations, both federal and local.
The UAV pilot must always keep direct eye contact with the UAV (line of sight)
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Mexico
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Notes for Commercial Drone Services operations in Mexico
Authorization for photography and recording in areas, monuments, and museums of INAH
You must get permission to take photographs, film, or record in areas, monuments, and museums of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) for professional or commercial purposes. There is also a fee for taking photos or videos in INAH areas. To apply for permission to take photos and videos in INAH areas, you will need to provide the following to INAH:
- A written document addressed to the National Coordination of Legal Affairs with a brief synopsis of the project
- Any Script, storyboard, or dummy sketch
- Application form INAH-01-001
Start your application process online here. You will complete the application at the INAH service offices.
License for Commercial Drone Operators in Mexico
Commercial drone operators are required to obtain a license in order to fly a drone in Mexico. In order to obtain a drone license in Mexico you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be Mexican by birth
- Provide your military release card
- Have a high school diploma
- Be in good health
Foreign Operators
Contact the DGAC for specific rules and regulations.
Useful published information on flying drones in Mexico
Here is a useful introduction video (in Spanish) of tips for flying a drone legally in Mexico…
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 aircraft, Remote controlled aircraft, and RC aircraft may be covered by the same regulations unless specified.
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