A guide for film enthusiasts who want to film from the skies of the United Arab Emirates.
It’s Dubai 2016, and while we don’t have flying cars and hoverboards (at least, not real ones), we do have flying drones, and a lot of them. While most of the people who own high-end drone models do so for professional use, an increasing number of people have bought the machines simply as toys. What many of them don’t know (including a lot of film production companies in Dubai) is that the use of drones with a camera inside the UAE is illegal, without the correct permissions and permissions.
Recently, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has asked light air sports enthusiasts, including drone enthusiasts, to fly their aircraft only at accredited clubs approved by the authority to address safety and security issues. protection. In particular, the GCAA also warned drone enthusiasts not to equip their vehicles with lasers, cameras, and other projection devices. If you do, the police could confiscate your equipment with a hefty fine. So what are the basic rules?
Well, all flight must take place within the user’s line of sight and not above 400 feet from ground level without the use of visual aids, such as binoculars, and within the operating range of the aircraft.
Fly only during the day and in good weather conditions and do not under any circumstances fly within five kilometers of airports, heliports, landing areas or manned aircraft. Do not fly near buildings, houses, private property or people and finally, unless you have approval, do not fly for commercial purposes.
For filmmakers, film and media production companies in Dubai and other commercial users, drone pilots must obtain a Certificate of No Objection (NOC) from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA). This letter can be obtained after registration, pre-evaluation and prior approval from the Dubai Film and Television Commission (DFTC).
It is essential to note that there are laws related to drone flying in all of the UAE and not only in Dubai, so you should check with the relevant emirate before taking off. Each emirate may have slightly different rules and regulations. Because this is a relatively new area of interest, local laws and rules may be in a state of flux for a time and subject to change; therefore, it is essential to check with the DFCT and DCAA before you start filming with your drone.