Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Republic of North Macedonia
Drone Regulator in North Macedonia: Macedonian Civil Aviation Agency (MCAA)
Link to North Macedonia Drone Laws: North Macedonia Drone Regulations 187/17 and Update 152/18
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Macedonia
The North Macedonia agency responsible for drone safety, MCAA, has provided several internet-accessible details on flying a drone for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Macedonia?
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Macedonia
- Drone operators must be at least 18 and possess a proficiency certificate.
- Drone operations must be reported to the MCAA at least 24 hours before the flight.
- While flying, drone pilots must maintain a direct visual line of sight with their Drone.
- Vertically, do not fly over 120 meters (394 feet) or horizontally more than 500 meters (1,640 feet).
- Fly no closer than five miles or 8.5 nautical miles to Alexander the Great Airport.
- Within 1,000 meters (.5 miles) of an airport, helipad, or aerodrome, do not fly.
- Do not fly within 100 meters (394 feet) of the Ministry of Defense and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, the Ministry of the Interior, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia, the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia, the President of the State’s residence, diplomatic missions, power plants, high-voltage electrical installations, storage facilities, and water purification systems.
- Avoid flying within 50 meters (164 feet) of a crowd.
- Fly no closer than 30 meters (98 feet) to ships, vehicles, or structures.
- Do not fly closer to the border than 3 kilometers (1.8 miles).
- Never operate a drone while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Drone classifications in Macedonia
Macedonian drone law classifies unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into two categories based on their intended use, weight, and performance.
According to Macedonian drone law, the usage of UAVs is classified into two categories:
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be used for commercial or private purposes.
- Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be used for sports or recreation.
The classification according to the weight and performances of the UAV in different categories:
- Category 1 – UAVs with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of less than 0.5 kg, a top speed of less than 30m/s, and a maximum operating radius of up to 100m.
- Category 2 – includes UAVs with a maximum takeoff weight of between 0.5 and 5 kg, a top speed of no more than 30 m/s, and a maximum operating radius of up to 2000 m;
- Category 3 – includes UAVs with a maximum takeoff weight of between 5 and 20 kg, a top speed of no more than 55 m/s, and a maximum operating radius of up to 3000 m;
- Category 4 – includes UAVs with a maximum takeoff weight of between 20 and 150 kg; top speed, range, and height are unrestricted.
- Category 5 – includes UAVs with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 150 kg; top speed, range, and height are unrestricted.
Licensing Requirements for Flying a Drone in Macedonia
A license issued by the MCAA is required to operate drones that:
- Weigh more than 5 kilograms (11 pounds).
- Can achieve a maximum speed greater than 20 meter/s (65 feet/s).
- Can achieve a maximum height greater than 15 meters (49 feet).
Pilot Licensing procedures and requirements are outlined in the law linked above.
Flying area restrictions for UAVs in Macedonia
Area 1 – An undeveloped and desolate area with no civilians in sight except for the pilot of the Drone.
Area 2 – Built environment consisting of structures or infrastructure devoid of civilians at the time of the flight. At some point, the same area may contain civilians.
Area 3 – Developed and inhabited areas.
Area 4 – Developed and inhabited areas, including city centers and other regions with a higher population density.
In each of the four scenarios outlined above, the drone operator must contact the appropriate authorities.
Within 24 hours of the flight, the pilot must contact the local authorities with the following information:
- Place and time of the start and end of the flight.
- Radius and height of the flight are marked on a map.
- Personal information for the person operating the Drone and license registration number for the Drone.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Macedonia
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Macedonia
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Useful published information on flying drones in Macedonia
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Macedonia..
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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