Drone Laws in Papua New Guinea

Last updated on April 15th, 2023 at 06:12 pm

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Independent State of Papua New Guinea

Drone Regulator in Papua New Guinea: Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG)

Link to Papua New Guinea Drone Laws: Papua New Guinea Drone Regulations Part 101 and Part 102

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Papua New Guinea

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

Are drones allowed in Papua New Guinea?

According to CASA, drone use is allowed in Papua New Guinea, subject to CASA regulations. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Papua New Guinea:

Papua New Guinea Drone laws enumerate drone operations into two classes:

Part 101 Operations 

Part 101 operators are not required to seek authorization from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG). As a result, there are no direct controls over the operator’s skills and qualifications or the aircraft’s airworthiness. 

Part 101 applies to both recreational and commercial users. This means that a wide range of commercial activities can be conducted without interacting with the CASA. 

The above risk-based approach allows lower-risk commercial operations to occur without the demanding certification requirements of Part 102, provided the operators remain compliant with the restrictions set out in Part 101. 

Part 102 Operations 

Part 102 is designed for higher-risk operators. It is highly flexible in that very few activities are expressly prohibited (other than carrying passengers, for example). Unmanned aircraft operators certificates (UAOCs) will be issued on a case-by-case basis, where the Director of Civil Aviation is satisfied that the operator has identified the risks associated with the intended operation(s) and has plans in place to mitigate those risks. 

If an operator cannot comply with Part 101, the operation may be at higher risk and requires certification under part 102. 

Part 101 – Basic framework 

Part 101 only applies to RPAS weighing less than 25kg that can fully comply with Part 101. Any aircraft more than 10 kg and those that cannot comply with Part 101 must be certificated under Part 102. 

RPAS weighing 10-25 kg must be constructed or inspected, approved, and operated under the authority of a person authorized by the Director. 

This list should not substitute for a complete reading of Part 101. You should thoroughly assess your operation and ensure you understand the Civil Aviation Rules that apply to your operation before deciding whether to operate under Parts 101 and 102. 

Some exceptions may apply, but generally, if you cannot meet any of these requirements, this indicates that your operation will need to be certified under Part 102. 

To obtain a Part 102 certificate, the operator will need to make an application that includes assessing the risks and proposed risk mitigation measures that satisfy the Director that the operation can be conducted safely and does not pose undue risk to members of the public and property. See advisory circular AC102-1 for details. 

Requirement for a remote pilot license

No person may operate a remotely piloted aircraft without pilot qualification unless the operation is conducted

1. following the requirements of Part 101: and
2. more than 5 nm from the boundary of the nearest aerodrome: and
3. as an open category operation as prescribed in rule 101.219.

No person may operate a remotely piloted aircraft within 5 nm of the boundary of an aerodrome unless that person has

1. a pilot qualification; or
2. qualification of knowledge of the use of aeronautical charts and airspace.

Operating restrictions to know for flying a drone in Papua New Guinea:

The operation of unmanned aircraft per the rules in Part 101 is subject to the following restrictions. 

Twelve key things are required under Part 101. You must— 

1. not operate an aircraft that is more than 10 kg without the Director’s approval and always ensure that it is safe to use; and 
2. at all times, take all practicable steps to minimize hazards to persons, property, and other aircraft (i.e., don’t do anything hazardous); and 
3. fly only in daylight; and 
4. give way to all manned aircraft; and 
5. be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes (e.g., not through binoculars, a monitor, or smartphone), to ensure separation from other aircraft (or in certain cases, use an observer to do this); and 
6. not fly your aircraft higher than 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level (unless certain conditions are met); and 
7. know airspace restrictions that apply in the area you want to operate; and 
8. not fly closer than 4 kilometers of any aerodrome (unless certain conditions are met); and 
9. obtain an Air Traffic Control clearance issued by PNG Air Services Ltd before flying in controlled airspace; and 
10. not fly in special-use airspace (e.g., restricted, military operating areas or low flying zones) without the permission of the administering authority of the area; and 
11. have consent from anyone you want to fly above; and 
12. have the consent of the property owner or person in charge of the area you want to fly above. 

The requirement to get licenses or authorization to Operate drones in Papua New Guinea?

(a)  Before operating an unmanned aircraft should follow the requirements of rule 102.3; a person must apply for an unmanned aircraft operator authorization or certificate. 

(b)  A person who operates an unmanned aircraft following Part 101 may apply for an unmanned aircraft operator certificate. 

A person in (a) or (b) must apply by: 

1. applying to the Director; and 
2. paying the appropriate fee specified in regulations. 

An application must include the following:

• the name and address for service in Papua New Guinea of the applicant; and
• the details required by rule 102.15 for the operations specification; and
• the applicant’s exposition required by rule 102.11; and
• any other information relating to the application as may be required by the Director. 

Requirements of Unmanned aircraft operator application and exposition 

An applicant for an unmanned aircraft operator authorization or certificate must provide the Director with an exposition that is acceptable to the Director. 

The exposition must address the following matters, having regard to the nature, degree, and risk of the intended operation— 

1. the identification of a person who will have primary responsibility for the operation; and 
2. the identification of a person who is;
   • to have or is likely to have control over the exercise of the privileges under the certificate: and 
   • the remote chief pilot as prescribed in Appendix A: 
3. details of the physical locations to be used in operation; and
4. a safety management system per rule 102.29; and
5. procedures for reporting information to the authority as required by Part 12; and 
6. operating requirements for personnel licensing, qualifications, training, and competency, including pilot and support crew qualifications, training, or medical requirements as required by Part 61; and 
7. details of the number and specifications of the aircraft to be used, including any identification system used on the aircraft (color schemes, unique identification numbers, markings) as required by Part 47; and 
8. details of the control system to be used to pilot the aircraft; and 
9. procedures for maintenance of aircraft and measures to ensure continued airworthiness; and 
10. in-flight procedures, including minimum distances from persons or property; and
11. procedures for handling cargo or dropping items, if such operations are intended; and 
12. initial airworthiness standards that must be met; and
13. procedures for controlling, amending, and distributing the exposition. 

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Papua New Guinea

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Papua New Guinea

Follow the general rules listed above, but check for updates by visiting the regulator’s links provided.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Papua New Guinea

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

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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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Traveling with a Drone?

Click here to read our Comprehensive Guide For Traveling With A Drone.

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