Saint Lucia

UAS Regulations

The Government of Saint Lucia Ministry of Economic Development, Housing, Urban Renewal, Transport and Civil Aviation: Department of Economic Development, Transport And Civil Aviation has provided the following information:

GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF DRONES

1.    Drones should not be flown:
a.    within a radius of 3.10 miles (5 km) of any airport or helicopter landing site without explicit or written approval from this Ministry;
b.    at a height greater than 400 feet (120 m) above ground level (AGL);
c.    neither over nor closer than 100 feet to vehicles, boats, residential or commercial properties that are not on the operator’s private property unless with explicit permission from the private property owner;  
d.    near moving vehicles, highways, bridges, busy streets or anywhere that could endanger or distract drivers;
e.    in populated areas or large groups of people, including the city of Castries, towns, villages, sports events, concerts, stadiums, beaches, festivals and other people's backyards;
f.    neither close to nor over restricted areas, for example airports, seaports and marinas, prisons and antennas or relay masts.
2.    In addition:
g.    drones must not be flown whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol;
h.    drones should only be operated during the day and in good weather; and
i.    drone users should keep their drone within communication and visual-line-of-sight (VLOS) at all times.

Persons using drones for recreational purposes are further cautioned to, as far as practicable, confine use of the drone to their backyards. All drone users should familiarize themselves with the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guide.  

Failure to comply with all of the above guidelines poses a risk of air collisions and accidents and also increases the risk of serious or fatal injury to persons and damage to property which may result in issues of liability.

Any suspected misuse should be reported to the nearest police station, airport control tower or Civil Aviation Division.

Those wishing to use drones for commercial purposes, including aerial photography, should apply to the Department of Economic Development, Transport and Civil Aviation. More information on the topic can be obtained by contacting the Civil Aviation Division at 468-2550 or 468-2551.

The following documents are available through the contact details above:

• Form # CA001 VERSION: 'APPLICATION FORM - DRONE IMPORTATION or  USE'
• Drone Zone map

[LATEST UPDATE OCTOBER 2021, BY DAVID GUERIN]