Man flies drone at high altitude in UAE, lands in court

A young African man has landed in the Fujairah Misdemeanour Court on charges of flying a drone without permission.

According to court records, the suspect had flown the drone at a high altitude in blatant violation of law, and without go-ahead from the bodies concerned.

The Fujairah Police arrested the suspect and referred him to the public prosecution for legal action.

When asked by the court, the young man denied breaking the law.

"I work in a toy shop, and was only trying a drone for some customers." However, he also said that he did not have permission from the competent authorities to fly a drone at a high altitude.

The court ordered adjournment of the case to next week to issue its ruling.

In June this year, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in coordination with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), issued a new regulation allowing drone owners to take photos and videos in permitted flying zones of the country.

Initially, individuals were allowed to use drones after getting permits from the GCAA but were barred from using any video or image capturing devices or be equipped with release and drop devices. Only registered firms were allowed to use drones for creating footages and images.

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, director-general of the GCAA, said up to 8,028 drones belonging to entities and individuals have been registered with the GCAA.

"We are keen on meeting public expectations on the use of new technologies as the UAE is considered among the best countries in the region for the use of drones."

Major-General Ahmed Nasser Al Rissi, Inspector-General of the MoI, said: "Drones are allowed in the UAE but their use is regulated to protect people's privacy.

Individuals are allowed to own drones only after getting licences from the GCAA and should fly them in the permitted zones only. "Also, it's not allowed to fly drones more than 400 feet above ground level."

Dos and Don'ts
 
>User and drone should be registered with the GCCA before flying

>Only drones weighing 5kg or less are allowed to fly in the approved zones

>The GCAA forbids flying drones near, around and over airports

>Drones are allowed to fly only during day time and in good weather.

>The flying range should always be within the line-of-sight

> The drone should not fly more than 400 feet above ground level

>It should not be used for commercial activities

>The onus is on the user to ensure that the drone is used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and inspected before use