Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
Drone Regulator in Pakistan: Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA)
UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Pakistan
The Pakistani agency responsible for drone safety, PCAA, has provided several details on flying drones for fun or work. The highlights are enumerated below. For more details go to the link above.
Are drones allowed in Pakistan?
Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Pakistan
Pakistan is currently in the process of developing its Drone regulations. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) will administer the new law.
The current draft addresses manufacturing, import, purchase, usage, licensing, security clearance, regulations, and export of a UAS.
The draft regulations differentiate UAS systems according to their maximum take-off mass (MTOM) or maximum take-off weight (MTOW).
Five categories fall within these classifications, as listed below:
Class-I – less than 250 grams
Class- II – Between 250g and 2kg
Class III – Between 2 kg and 50 kg
Class IV – Between 50 kg and 150 kg
Class V – More than 150 kg
UAS of Class-I and Class-II are subject to specific restrictions, including that an operator cannot fly the drone more than 200 feet above the ground, the UAS may only be flown over the operator’s property; they may not be flown within a 10-nautical-mile (NM) (approximately 18.5-kilometer) radius of an airfield, within two kilometers of the national border, or above or near a sensitive area, such as a nuclear power plant, correctional institution, police station, or court.
The Class-III, Class-IV, and Class-V drones are required to obtain a Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA), and Remote Pilot Operator License (RPOL), and follow the rules of the air.
Furthermore, public roads such as take-off and landing grounds are prohibited unless the relevant local authority approves.
Restrictions apply again to fly the aircraft near or around sensitive areas.
The policy document states that the new rules will apply to individuals, businesses, private organizations, government entries, foreign nationals, and international organizations.
The minimum age required to operate a UAS has been set at fourteen years. Meanwhile, operators over the age of 16 will be required to register with the PCAA.
The maximum elevation above ground level that an individual over 18 can fly is 400 feet.
While these rules are under development, we encourage you to contact the PCAA directly for updates before flying.
Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Pakistan
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Pakistan
Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.
Useful published information on flying drones in Pakistan
Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Pakistan…
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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NOW ITS YOUR TURN
We want to by drone for agriculture purpose.we want to make spray centre we are working on manual pump spray system we want the make tha innovative in aour work we want to make drone payment which can be used in the hole province Punjab what is the procedure?for making laicince r permet four agricultural drones ?
Please contact the regulator. Link is at the top of this page
Hello Merlin,
Could you provide a contact email or whats app number for the relevant department at the PCAA please?
Thanks
Umair, if you follow the link to PCAA at the top of this page, you will see on their website they have a contact link (Top right of the page)
According to this article Catagery I, II, not required NOC so please can you share the policy.
Please contact the PCAA for more details
Do we need to get permission / license to use drone in agriculture sector for spraying on crop?
If yes what are procedures?
Please contact PCAA for details on commercial operations
Hi am Iallowed to bring drone from overseas, I will be visiting in karachi, have any recent experience would be appreciated.
If I am bringing a used Class 1 drone into Pakistan from Saudi Arabia for my brother
according to rules copy from i have seen this article can any one guide me please
Are drones allowed in Pakistan?
According to PCAA, drones are allowed in Pakistan, subject to PCAA regulations. Read on for details.
PCAA has not published additional information regarding the regulations. We recommend you contact PCAA for information on importing and flying the drone.
I live in the 18 km radius of an airport in Karachi. How do i get authorization to fly my class 1 drone over my residence? The drone is to be used for recreational purposes only
Please contact PCAA
It will be wise on part of Pakistan civil aviation authority to ear mark all those locations /areas which are sensitive in nature e.g. airports, seaport , cantonment, such areas of each city to be identified before issuing license to any organisation or individual.
Please contact PCAA with this feedback.
Thanks for collating this info.
If I am bringing a used Class 1 drone into Pakistan from Ireland, could it be a problem on the airport?
Abdur, Drone importation is strictly regulated. The CAA is working on establishing the Civil Drone Regulatory Authority (CDRA) which is likely to liberalize this process, but that agency does not appear to be operational yet.
Our sources suggest that you need to get a no-objection letter from the Ministry of Defence to import your drone.
Contact the CAA to see if they can provide more specific instructions.
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