What you need to know.

It is a requirement in Barbados for persons operating a UAS to obtain prior authorization and complete this UAS Application Form from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) before undertaking any flight operations.

There is an imposition of a temporary suspension on the importation and licensing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in Barbados, for six (6) months commencing April 1, 2020.

There is an imposition of a temporary suspension on the importation of parts to assemble Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in Barbados, for six (6) months commencing April 1, 2020.

It is possible to secure a temporary exemption on a case-by-case basis for the commercial use of UAS which are imported and exported immediately after use via the application form found at -  https://barbados.seamlessdocs.com/sc/uasapplication

Please note that in transit passengers in possession of UAS should package them in their checked luggage to avoid confiscation. Persons in possession of licensed and insured UAS located in Barbados are permitted to use these drones, without requesting permission, in the following designated areas for recreational purposes.

Sterling, St. Philip;
Lynches, St. Philip;
Dash Valley, St. George;
College Savannah, St. John;
and Vaucluse, St. Thomas.

INTEGRATION INTO AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (ATM) PROCEDURES

All UAS shall be treated as manned aircraft when operating in controlled airspace in Barbados. It shall be the responsibility of the UAS pilots to acquire knowledge of the appropriate ATM procedures and follow all instructions issued by the Control Tower.

TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME PILOTS

Make sure it is safe to fly. For example, is the visibility too low to fly? Fly your drone with someone who has flown a drone before. Fly your drone in an open space and away from people. Fly your drone close to the ground and at a low speed. Fly your drone during daylight and in good weather.

EMERGENCY SITES UAS

Pilots are not allowed to fly within the security perimeter of a police or first responder emergency operation, such as a traffic accident. Operators must also avoid sites near disasters (fires or floods). A UAS flying near these areas may interfere with emergency personnel aircraft and the work of emergency personnel.

ADVERTISED EVENTS

UAS pilots are not allowed to fly near or over advertised events, such as outdoor concerts and sporting events, unless they have obtained Special Authorization from the PMO that specifically allows them to do so.

REPORT A DRONE INCIDENT AND UNSAFE UAS USE

Contact the PMO and/or Law Enforcement if someone is flying a UAS in an irresponsible manner, without authorization or without a permit (for example, flying close to other aircraft, near aerodromes, or at a high altitude). Contact the PMO and /or Law Enforcement if someone is flying a UAS without authorization from the PMO.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR UAS OPERATIONS IN BARBADOS

It is important to note that permission will only be considered/granted subject to the adherence of the following conditions: –

No aerial footage is to be taken of any area outside of the location specified in your correspondence referred to above;

Aerial activity should be confined to a height of 400 feet above ground level;

The UAS must not take-off, land or operate within a lateral distance of 50m from a crowd or any structure;

The Air Traffic Control Tower at the Grantley Adams International Airport must be notified fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start and at the conclusion of the aerial activity. The telephone numbers are 428-0956, 536-1359 and 536-1300 ext. 61510 or 61512;

You must comply with any instructions given by the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Grantley Adams International Airport. In this regard, a contact number must be provided to the Tower staff prior to the operation of the drone;

You are required to comply with the lawful directions of all law enforcement personnel;

You are required to produce to the National Security Division, Prime Minister’s Office, proof of valid public liability insurance for a minimum of $250,000.00 with respect to the period;

You are required to produce to the National Security Division, Prime Minister’s Office, proof of a valid spectrum license with respect to the period. This license may be obtained from the Telecommunications Unit of Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology. All persons/spectators are to be kept safe and protected from the activity involving the aerial operation of the drone;

Unless specific permission is given, you are prohibited from operating the UAS as follows:

higher than 120 meters (400 ft) above the ground;

closer than 150 meters (500 ft) laterally 5km from the airport, from an open-air assembly of people, buildings or vehicles; closer than 5km from the airport and related approach/takeoff paths;

within or over prohibited and restricted airspace, including military bases, prisons and private properties; and in populous areas, including highways, beaches stadiums, sporting events and festivities.

Guidelines for UAS Operators The Government of Barbados welcomes the operations of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in Barbados. All efforts will be made to consider requests made by operators as required. Please note however that:-

There is an imposition of a temporary suspension on the importation and licensing of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in Barbados, for six (6) months commencing April 1, 2020.

There is also an imposition of a temporary suspension on the importation of parts to assemble Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) also known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in Barbados, for six (6) months commencing April 1, 2020.

It is possible to secure a temporary exemption on a case by case basis for the commercial use of UAS which are imported and exported immediately after use.
This request should be made via the application form at the link previously provided.

In addition, it should be noted that:- the UAS should be declared to Customs at the point of importation; a deposit shall be made to cover the duty liability of the imported item; the UAS should be presented to Customs at the time of exportation to verify that the imported item is being exported; the deposit will be refunded at the point of exportation provided Customs is satisfied; and the importer shall provide Customs with the address where the UAS is kept during the period of importation.

In transit passengers in possession of a UAS should package them in their checked luggage to avoid confiscation. It is a requirement in Barbados for persons operating a UAS System to obtain prior authorization and complete the UAS Application No person will be allowed to operate a UAS without carrying on his or her person at the time of operation, evidence of prior written approval by the Government of Barbados exercising lawful jurisdiction over the affected area or activity.

DRONES/UAS/RPAS GUIDELINES SPECIAL AUTHORIZATION

The UAS operator must apply and receive approval before undertaking any of the operations. All information will be used to assess if the applicant is entitled to a UAS Flight Authorization. An incomplete, poorly prepared or inaccurate application may: Result in rejection of the application Raise doubts about the applicant’s ability to conduct and control the operation Result in delays Result in a refusal to issue the flight authorization.

INTEGRATION INTO AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT (ATM) PROCEDURES

All UAS shall be treated as manned aircraft when operating in controlled airspace in Barbados. It shall be the responsibility of the UAS pilots to acquire knowledge of the appropriate ATM procedures and follow all instructions issued by the Control Tower. Notwithstanding the above, permission shall be prior to operating in Barbados’ controlled airspace.

UAS OPERATIONS

All UAS flights are limited to a maximum height of 400 feet above ground level. UAS are not to be operated within a 5 kilometer radius from an airport or helipad. Flying above populous areas and gatherings is prohibited unless approved and with the explicit approval of the gathering. Prohibited Zones/Prohibited Areas are areas of airspace which for one reason or another have been prohibited from having aircraft enter them.
These areas include military bases, all ports of entry, embassies and residences including Government House and Ilaro Court.
The official definition of an airspace is “defined dimensions above the land areas or territorial waters of a State within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited”.
The official definition of controlled airspace is “An airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control services is provided in accordance with the airspace classification”. Pilots must not fly in these areas without prior permission and coordination with the air traffic service provider controlling that airspace.

EMERGENCY SITES

UAS pilots are not allowed to fly within the security perimeter of a police or first responder emergency operation, such as a traffic accident. Operators must also avoid sites near disasters (fires or floods). A UAS flying near these areas may interfere with emergency personnel aircraft and the work of emergency personnel.

ADVERTISED EVENTS

UAS pilots are not allowed to fly near or over advertised events, such as outdoor concerts and sporting events, unless they have obtained Special Authorization from the PMO that specifically allows them to do so.

REPORT A DRONE INCIDENT AND UNSAFE UAS USE

Contact the PMO and/or Law Enforcement if someone is flying a UAS in an irresponsible manner, without authorization or without a permit (for example, flying close to other aircraft, near aerodromes, or at a high altitude). Contact the PMO and /or Law Enforcement if someone is flying a UAS without authorization from the PMO.
Requirements No aerial footage is to be taken of any area outside of the location specified in your correspondence referred to above; Aerial activity should be confined to a height of 400 feet above ground level;
The UAS must not take-off, land or operate within a lateral distance of 50m from a crowd or any structure;
The Air Traffic Control Tower at the Grantley Adams International Airport must be notified fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start and at the conclusion of the aerial activity. The telephone numbers are 428-0956, 536-1359 and 536-1300 ext. 61510 or 61512;
You must comply with any instructions given by the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Grantley Adams International Airport. In this regard, a contact number must be provided to the Tower staff prior to the operation of the drone; You are required to comply with the lawful directions of all law enforcement personnel;
You are required to produce to the National Security Division, Prime Minister’s Office, proof of valid public liability insurance for a minimum of $250,000.00 with respect to the period; You are required to produce to the National Security Division, Prime Minister’s Office, proof of a valid spectrum license with respect to the period. This license may be obtained from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology;
All persons/spectators are to be kept safe and protected from the activity involving the aerial operation of the drone;
Unless specific permission is given, you are prohibited from operating the UAS as follows: – higher than 120 meters (400 ft) above the ground;
– closer than 150 meters (500 ft) laterally 5km from the airport;
– from an open-air assembly of people, buildings or vehicles;
– closer than 5km from the airport and related approach/takeoff paths;
– within or over prohibited and restricted airspace, including military bases, prisons, and private properties; and
– in populous areas, including highways, beaches stadiums, sporting events and festivities.

 For queries or additional information, persons should call +1 (246) 535-5318, or email [email protected].