Seychelles

UAS regulations

New information [June 2021]:

The SCAA has published a "Drone Operations' landing page: https://www.scaa.sc/index.php/drone-operations

Which covers four areas and these include extensive information, guidance and links to required forms and regulations:

What would you like to do?

• register my Drone (200 gms or more)
• request for a drone authorisation
• learn about drone safety and regulations
• report unsafe drone operations

One page covers the topic of Drone Safety & Regulations:

Safety is your responsibility - Know the rules before you fly
Before registering your drone, applying for an authorization request (within controlled airspace or restricted areas) or the commencement of your drone operation please read and familiarize yourself with the regulations and safety guidelines documentation (link: to be advised).
 

[LATEST UPDATE: June 2021, David Guerin] 



An updated safety direction on the operation of unmanned aircraft was issued in Sep 2018. This provides information that is intended for mandatory compliance:

http://www.scaa.sc/files/OPS%20SD%202017-03%20(Operation%20of%20Unmanned%20Aircraft).pdf



Excerpts:

3.            Regulations as applicable to the operation of unmanned aircraft

3.1          Flight by an unmanned aircraft whose flight is controlled autonomously, is not permitted at any time.

3.2          The remote pilot in charge of an unmanned aircraft, shall not operate an unmanned aircraft weighing more than 7 kg, without fuel, unless it is with the permission of the Authority.

3.3          A remote pilot shall not cause or permit any article or animal (whether or not attached to a parachute) to be dropped from an unmanned aircraft, so as to endanger other persons, property, aircraft, vehicles, vessels and structures.

3.4          The remote pilot in charge of an unmanned aircraft is responsible for ensuring that:
 (a)         the aircraft is operated in such a manner, that the flight can be made safely at all times, without risk to other persons, property, aircraft, vehicles, vessels and structures.
(b)          direct, unaided visual contact (visual line of sight) with the aircraft is maintained, in order to monitor its flight path in relation to other persons, property, aircraft, vehicles, vessels and structures for the purpose of maintaining separation and avoiding collisions.
(c)           an unmanned aircraft is not flown at night, or in conditions of  reduced visibility, where visual line of sight cannot be maintained.

3.5          Unless it is with the permission of the Authority and or the appropriate air traffic  control unit, an unmanned aircraft shall not fly:
(a)          in controlled airspace, or within 15 km of a public use aerodrome, or within 5 km of  a heliport/helipad;
(b)          at a height of more than 200 feet above the surface unless it is flying in airspace described in
sub-paragraph (a) and in accordance with the requirements for that airspace;
(c)           within the boundaries of a prohibited, restricted or danger area notified by the Authority;
(d)          over or within 50 metres of any person or persons, notwithstanding (i) & (j) below;
(e)          over or within 50 metres of any person or persons, notwithstanding (i) & (j) below; [was previously missing]
(e)          over or within 150 metres of any congested area or major public road;
(f)           over or within 150 metres of an organised open-air assembly of more than 1,000 persons;
(g)          within 300 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the remote pilot in charge of the unmanned aircraft;
(h)          within 30 metres of any person other than the remote pilot in charge of the unmanned aircraft or a person under the control of the remote pilot in charge of the aircraft, during take-off or landing;
(i)           over or within 150 metres of a private residence, without the agreement and written permission of the owner.

[etc]

5. Permission
Any permission required in Part 3 shall be requested in writing.

Also, Seychelles Aviation Requirements Reg. 07 Aircraft Nationality and Registration Marks state: 

8 Identification plate .... (4) in the case of a remotely piloted aircraft, secured in a prominent position near the main entrance or compartment or affixed conspicuously to the exterior of the aircraft if there is no main entrance or compartment.