Drone Laws in Sao Tome and Principe

Summary of Drone Laws in Sao Tome and Principe

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe

Drone Regulator in Sao Tome and Principe: Instituto Nacional de Aviação Civil (INAC)

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UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in Sao Tome and Principe

The Sao Tome and Principe agency responsible for drone safety, INAC, has not codified drone use regulations in Sao Tome and Principe. Go to the link above to check for recent updates.

Are drones allowed in Sao Tome and Principe?

According to INAC, Drone operations are not regulated in Sao Tome and Principe. Use the ICAO’s recommendations. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in Sao Tome and Principe:

Absent explicit regulations, we suggest you contact the INAC and follow the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recommendations (ICAO UAS Toolkit):

1. You should always consult your local Civil Aviation Authority. Drone guidelines and regulations differ from country to country.
2. Most states require you to get a permit before operating a drone:
   • If the drone weighs more than 25 kg (55 lbs).
   • If you are paid to use the drone or if you use it for research.
3. Keep your drone within eyesight at all times.
4. Read the user’s manual before operating your drone.
5. Check your drone before each flight.
6. Don’t fly within 50 meters (55 yards) of or over people, property, or vehicles.
7. Don’t fly over 150 meters (490 feet) from the ground.
8. Don’t fly near an airport. Stay at least 8km (5 miles) away.
9. Always remember that you are now a remote pilot. You are responsible for flying safely and avoiding collisions.

Why follow ICAO recommendations when a country does not have drone regulations?

ICAO is a United Nations Specialized Agency. It is funded and directed by 193 national governments. ICAO supports their diplomacy and cooperation in air transport. The 193 nations are signatory states to the Chicago Convention (1944). 

ICAO’s main job is maintaining an administrative and expert bureaucracy (the ICAO Secretariat). The secretariat supports diplomatic interactions and researches new air transport policies. It develops standardization innovations as directed and endorsed by governments. It uses the ICAO Assembly or the ICAO Council, which the assembly elects.

ICAO is not a regulator. It provides standards to all its member states. This means that most nations worldwide are coordinating with ICAO. ICAO supports those countries with limited resources for developing drone regulations.

IACO provides ICAO Model UAS regulations and circulars that member states adopt.

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Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in Sao Tome and Principe

See the general rules above.

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Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in Sao Tome and Principe

See the general rules above.

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Useful published information on flying drones in Sao Tome and Principe

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in Sao Tome and Principe…

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NOTE: This page is about the Regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: 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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