Drone Laws in the Solomon Islands

Agencies Responsible for regulating drones in the Solomon Islands

Drone Regulator in Solomon Islands: Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI)

Link to Solomon Islands Drone Laws: Solomon Islands Drone Regulations (Part 101 and 102 are downloadable here)


UAS Laws – General rules for flying drones in the Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands agency responsible for drone safety, CAASI, 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 the Solomon Islands?

According to the CAASI, flying drones in the Solomon Islands is legal, but certain regulations must be strictly followed. Read on for more details.

Here are the most important rules to know for flying a drone in the Solomon Islands:

You must not operate a remotely piloted aircraft with a gross mass of more than 25 kg. 

You must not operate a remotely piloted aircraft with a gross mass of between 15 kg and 25 kg unless the aircraft, and any modification made to it, is— 

  1. inspected and approved by the MTCA; and 
  2. operated under the authority of an approved pilot

You must ensure the aircraft that the person is operating gives way to and remains clear of all manned aircraft on the ground and in flight.

Do not operate a remotely piloted aircraft or free-flight model aircraft at night unless the operation is indoors or a shielded operation.

You must, at all times— 

  1. maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft; and 
  2. be able to see the surrounding airspace in which the aircraft is operating; and 
  3. operate the aircraft below the cloud base. 

To fly a drone over private property, you must first obtain permission from the property owner.

Drones may not be operated within 4 kilometers (2.4 miles) of any airport or airfield.

Drones may not be flown more than 122 meters (400 feet) above the ground.


Notes for recreational drone pilots flying for fun in the Solomon Islands

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


Notes for operating Commercial Drone Services in the Solomon Islands

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


Useful published information on flying drones in the Solomon Islands

Here is a sample of what you might expect if you follow the drone laws and fly in the Solomon Islands…


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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IMPORTANT NOTE

The content on this site (The latest Drone Laws/Drone Regulations) is collated by volunteers from public general information. It is based on user experience, our own research, understanding, and interpretation of the laws. We always go back to the regulatory source as a starting point and apply our expertise in simplifying where possible what the authorities publish. To that understanding, we add our own first hand experience, and users experience to build a more complete picture.

This material is not presented as legal advice of any kind, and we cannot guarantee that the information is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Do not substitute the information you find here for legal advice from a licensed attorney who is authorized to practice in the jurisdiction. When in doubt, contact the local aviation authority responsible for drone safety, utilize a licensed drone service operator, and/or consult a qualified attorney.

When your experience is different, we want to know. We welcome any feedback, corrections, or updates that can be shared with our community.

Finally, we urge you to operate your drone safely and to follow the drone laws of the location in which you are flying!

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