Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and as a result, governments around the world have been forced to create laws and regulations to govern their use. Uruguay is no exception, and the country has implemented several laws that drone users must follow.
The first thing to note is that drones are classified as aircraft in Uruguay, and as such, they are subject to the same laws and regulations as traditional aircraft. This means that drone users must obtain a license from the National Civil Aviation and Aviation Infrastructure Directorate (DINACIA) before they can fly their drone.
To obtain a license, drone users must first complete a training course that covers topics such as air traffic control, aviation regulations, and flight safety. Once they have completed the course, they must pass a written exam and a practical flight test. If they pass both tests, they will be issued a license that is valid for two years.
In addition to obtaining a license, drone users must also follow several other rules and regulations. For example, they must not fly their drone higher than 120 meters above ground level, and they must not fly their drone within 8 kilometers of an airport or military installation. They must also not fly their drone over people or buildings without the express permission of the property owner.
Drone users must also ensure that their drone is equipped with a GPS tracking device and a camera that is capable of recording video in high definition. They must also ensure that their drone is equipped with a fail-safe mechanism that will automatically return the drone to its takeoff point if it loses contact with the remote control.
Finally, drone users must ensure that they have liability insurance that covers any damage or injury that their drone may cause. This insurance must be valid for at least 1 million Uruguayan pesos (approximately $23,000 USD).
It is important to note that these laws and regulations apply to both recreational and commercial drone use. In fact, commercial drone users must obtain a separate license from DINACIA, and they must also obtain permission from the National Directorate of Civil Aviation (DINACIA) before they can fly their drone.
In conclusion, drone laws in Uruguay are strict, but they are designed to ensure the safety of both drone users and the general public. Anyone who wishes to fly a drone in Uruguay must obtain a license, follow several rules and regulations, and ensure that they have liability insurance. Failure to do so could result in fines or even criminal charges.