The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) established the Brazilian drone laws of Special Civil Aviation, that manages the civil operation of remotely piloted aircraft and drones.
Rules for flying drones in Brazil
- The minimum age of a drone pilot is 18 years and must contain a drone license.
- Drone weighing more than .55 lbs (250g) should contain the necessary certification reports. Drone pilots must get registered in the Brazilian Aeronautical Registry and the ID should be accessible on UAVs.
- In order to fly a drone that weighs more than .55 lbs (250g) closer than 98 feet (30m) to people, it is mandatory that people must agree prior to the drone operation.
- Drones weighing over .55 lbs (250g) may fly in 98 feet (30m) areas or which is far away from people. Under the complete responsibility of the pilot operator and based on the regulations of use of the Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) airspace.
- At a time, Drone pilots cannot function more than one drone.
- Drone flying is not permitted 98 feet (30m) or less from a building.
- Drone flying is restricted in places like military facilities, other critical infrastructure and over prisons.
- Drone flying is not permitted over people.
- The utmost altitude permitted for flying drones three to five nautical miles from an airport is 100 feet.
- The operators should keep a visual line of sight with their drone during all situations.
- Using drones where the remote pilot is not able to take part in the operations is restricted. Autonomous drone operations are different from automated drone operations, where the remote pilot can intervene at any point.
License Requirements to Fly a Drone
When you are flying a drone that weighs less than .55 lbs and you are flying under 400 feet then ANAC considers you licensed for its purposes, and you do not require any further documentation.
A license is needed by ANAC in three cases:
- Case 1: Drone weighs more than 330 lbs and you need to fly over 400 feet.
- Case 2: Drone weighs between 55 lbs and 330 lbs and you need to fly over 400 feet.
- Case 3: Drone weighs 55 lbs or less and you need to fly over 400 feet.
Further, to acquire a license, drone pilots functioning in case 1 or case 2 must possess an Aeronautical Medical Certificate (CMA) provided by ANAC or a third case CMA provided by the DECEA.
Watch a video of Drone Regulations in Brazil:
