Since drone use is rapidly expanding in Malta, people may wonder if they are allowed to fly their drones near an airport.
The following guidelines are provided to help drone pilots know when they are within the law and when they are not, ensuring that they never endanger people or interfere with airport operations.
Remember that safety while flying a drone is the exclusive responsibility of the pilot at all times!
DO…
Send in your application before you board the plane Control is maintained over all of Malta’s airspace. Before taking your drone up in the air, be sure you have clearance from the Civil Aviation Directorate at Transport Malta.
When the weather is good, go for a flight. If you want to avoid wind, fog, and clouds while piloting your drone, you should only do so during the day.
Don’t lose sight of your drone. Keep your drone in sight at all times and only fly it in the permitted area.
Flies the coop? Learn how to use your drone safely by reading the manual and getting comfortable with all of its functions.
Be discreet If you want to take photos in a public place, make sure to get permission first.
Disclose any discrepancies Reports of suspicious drone flights should be sent to civil.aviation@transport.gov.mt.
DON’T…
cause a disruption in flight operations Don’t fly closer than 5 kilometres to the airport to avoid interfering with planes.
Airport boundary. Do not approach helipads.
Fly your drone over a crowd. Avoid operating your drone higher than 400 feet to prevent it from colliding with people, buildings, or moving vehicles.
more than two hundred feet in the air.
You’re flying a little too near! Keep at least 50 metres of distance from large crowds of people while flying.
Get tipsy and take to the skies! Don’t take off with your drone if you’ve been drinking or high.
Note for additional safety that laser lights and other bright lights, especially when directed at an aircraft during takeoff and landing, can be dangerous.
