Drone owners, importers need permits – GCAA

Importers, owners and operators of drones (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are now being cautioned by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) against using the aerial device without a permit.
The Authority said on Tuesday that Guyanese are not permitted to use any such devices once it has a camera or provision for a camera unless a permit is obtained, further noting that anyone desirous of using such a device must submit a request in writing to the Authority.
“Request must include the name and address of the applicant and the name of the company for whom he is working, if applicable. The request must also include details of the aircraft to be used, including the make, model, serial number and dimensions of the aircraft, as well as the type of power plant installed on the aircraft, and any other information requested by the Authority” GCAA stated in a release.
Moreover, the Aviation Authority noted too that it is sending out the reminder since, for the Christmas season, the Customs and Trade Administration of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) has detained a large number of recreational drones imported into the country without the required permit. The Authority noted too that using a drone without a permit is a crime punishable by the laws of Guyana.
“No person shall operate an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, irrespective of the dimensions or maximum weight of that aircraft, for the purposes of obtaining, recording, or transmitting information, once it has a camera or provisions for a camera, unless that person has obtained written authorisation from the Authority to obtain, record, or transmit such information,” GCAA stressed.
It was noted that application for the drone permits must be made to the Director General, Guyana Civil Aviation Authority at 73 High Street Kingston, Georgetown. The application process, which includes the required security clearance from the Guyana Police Force, can take up to a minimum of thirty working days. GCAA added that operators of UAVs “will be prosecuted” for any breach of the Drones Directive and any other written Laws of Guyana being in force at the time of operation, “including but not limited to the Criminal Law Acts of Guyana, Customs Act of Guyana, and the Telecommunications Act of Guyana”.