Is the use of drones allowed in Brazil? Can anyone have yours? Look
Is the use of drones allowed in Brazil? Can anyone have yours? Look
It is increasingly common to look at the sky and see a drone. Even so, few know that the use of these unmanned aerial vehicles, according to Anac (National Civil Aviation Agency), is only allowed for recreational activities and competitions. However, it is possible to circumvent the ban on the device by requesting specific use authorizations.
See questions and answers about these flying machines.
1. What can I use a drone for?
The use of drones in the country is divided into three categories: aeromodelling [recreational activities or competitions]; experimental operations [research and development]; and non-experimental operations [filming of events, photographic services, surveillance, inspection and commercial use in general].
In Brazil, in addition to having fun, drones have also been used to save lives in rescues on the high seas and even to combat dengue.
2. Can I use the drone anywhere?
No. Only the use of drones for aeromodelling is authorized in Brazil, as long as the rules provided for in Ordinance DAC No. 207 / STE, of April 7, 1999 are respected. The regulations, among other things, restrict the operation of vehicles unmanned aerials in aerodrome approach and takeoff areas, in addition to delimiting the flight at a maximum height of 120 meters (400 feet) and highlighting the requirement to keep the equipment within reach of the pilot’s vision.
The use of drones in experimental and non-experimental operations, according to Anac, is prohibited, but may be authorized on a case-by-case basis. That is, whoever wants to use the equipment for filming or even studies needs an authorization from Organs responsible bodies: Anac and Decea (Airspace Control Department).
3. Can anyone buy a drone?
There are no restrictions on purchasing the device, but uses are limited.
4. Is there any type of document or license that allows me to fly a Drone?
Currently, there are no licenses to operate a drone in Brazil. But, the operation, if not in the model aircraft category, requires a series of bureaucracies, which begins with the approval of the equipment with Anatel (National Telecommunications Agency). Interested parties must also formally request an authorization from Anac for use and, finally, obtain the certificate of entry to airspace from the Decea.
5. Do I need a new authorization every time I use the drone? How is it made and what is the cost?
Yes. Authorizations from Anac and Decea must be requested each time the drone is used. Interested parties should seek the responsible bodies and inform the place where the equipment will be operated, period, purpose and characteristics of the equipment. Anac says that the process has no cost, but does not say what is the average duration of the analysis.
6. What is the maximum flight height allowed for a drone? Is there a speed restriction?
For aeromodelling, the legislation limits the flight to a maximum height of 120 meters (400 feet), but does not specify the speed. In the other modalities (experimental and non-experimental operation), the issues related to the operation of the drone will be delimited in the authorization granted by Anac.
7. What is the maximum speed of a drone?
The models used for entertainment and filming reach an average speed of 50 km / h. The competition models, generally lighter, reach higher speeds, reaching 200 km / h.
8. Who are responsible for inspecting drones that fly over Brazilian airspace?
Inspections are the responsibility of both the Civil, Military and Federal police, as well as Aeronautics and Anac.
9. If I am caught flying a drone without proper authorization, what happens to me?
The use of drones without authorization is subject to the penalties provided for in Law 7,565 / 86 (Brazilian Aeronautical Code), which includes a fine ranging from R $ 800 to R $ 30 thousand, in addition to detention, interdiction or seizure of the drone. It is also subject to civil and criminal liability actions.
10. Do these inspections work in practice?
No. As found in the report, there are few Brazilians who use drones who have already been approached by the authorities and who had to present the necessary authorizations. The UOL Tecnologia team, for example, spent an entire afternoon operating a drone in Parque do Pacaembu, central São Paulo, in front of a police command, but at no time was it questioned.
The inefficiency of the inspection combined with the delay in authorizations makes it easier for many to operate devices without the necessary authorizations.
11. Are drones regulated in Brazil?
No. Despite the increase in drones in Brazilian airspace, there is still no regulation on the subject. Which means that there are no specific rules on this type of operation, which ends up being controlled by Anac in an obscure manner. But in September 2015, the agency submitted a proposal, which is still under discussion.
12. I want to buy a drone, what precautions do I have to take?
There is no restriction on buying a drone. Anatel suggests that Brazilians opt for homologated models, otherwise they will have to enter the equipment homologation process individually with the agency (which is quite bureaucratic). Anac also warns that autonomous equipment – without being operated by a pilot remotely – is prohibited in Brazil.
13. I bought a drone without Anatel approval, now what?
Do not worry! According to Anatel, only equipment that uses radio frequency is required to be approved. If this is the case, just register on the agency’s website (http://zip.net/bctndJ) and pay the fee in the amount of R $ 200. In all, 1,508 models are already approved in Brazil.
14. What are the necessary precautions to fly a device?
Pilots must not fly over places that may present risks, such as electrical networks, airports, prisons and places where people are crowded. Anac also recommends attention to privacy laws, in addition to suggesting inspections of the equipment before each flight to make sure it is in perfect condition.
15. How much does a drone cost in Brazil?
Drone prices vary widely and depend a lot on your specifications. There are simpler models – with more restricted cameras and functions – that can be found for less than R $ 1,000. There are others, much more professional, that can cost more than R $ 1 million (with an infrared camera capable of recognizing a face from more than 400 meters away).
Everything will depend on why you want a drone. But it is possible to have good equipment for around R $ 2,800 (with intelligent flight system, 12 MP cameras, HD technology for videos, stabilizer, flight telemetry and built-in GPS navigation system).
This equipment can also be rented and the rental can be accompanied by a specialized pilot.
Credits: Larissa Leiros Baroni, UOL, in São Paulo
Photo: BERTRAND LANGLOIS;
