FAQ on Unmanned Aircraft System/Drones in Malaysia – CAAM

1. What is unmanned aircraft system (‘UAS’)/drones?

Unmanned aircraft system means an aircraft and its associated elements which are operated with no pilot on board

 2. Categories of UAS

(a) small unmanned aircraft system

• unmanned aircraft system, other than a balloon or a kite, having a mass of not more than 20 kilogrammes without its fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft at the commencement of its flight

(b) small unmanned surveillance aircraft

• a small unmanned aircraft which is equipped to undertake any form of surveillance or data acquisition

(c) unmanned aircraft system of more than 20kg

3. Where I can’t fly the UAS (applies to all type of UAS)

• in Class A, B, C or G airspace

• within an aerodrome traffic zone

• at the height of more than 400 feet above the surface of the earth

UNLESS obtain an authorization from the Director General

4. You don’t need an authorisation if you…

• intends to fly a small unmanned aircraft system

• however, you:

o must satisfied that the flight can safely be made

o can maintain direct and unaided visual contact with such small unmanned aircraft sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircrafts, persons, vehicles, vessels and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions

Note: Authorization from the Director General is REQUIRED if the person in charge of the small unmanned aircraft system intends to fly the small unmanned aircraft system:

• in Class A, B, C or G airspace

• within an aerodrome traffic zone

• at the height of more than 400 feet above the surface of the earth

5. Can I fly the unmanned aircraft system for aerial work purposes?

• authorization from the Director General is required to be obtained in order to fly a UAS for purpose of aerial work.

• aerial work means an aircraft operation in which an aircraft is used to provide specialized services in agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation and patrol, search and rescue, aerial advertisement and other similar activities

6. I want to fly a small unmanned surveillance aircraft. Do I need authorisation?

authorization from the Director General is required to be obtained to fly a small unmanned surveillance aircraft in any of the following circumstances:

(a) over any designated area

= means any area which is used for residential, commercial, industrial or recreational purposes

(b) within 150 metres of any designated area

(c) over any assembly in the open air of more than 1,000 persons

(d) within 150 metres of any assembly in the open air of more than 1,000 persons

(e) within 50 metres of any vessel, vehicle or structure which is not under the control of the person in charge of the aircraft

(f) within 50 metres of any person

(g) within 30 metres of any person during take-off or landing

7. I want to fly the unmanned aircraft system of more than 20kg. Do I need authorisation?

Authorization from the Director General is required to be obtained

8. How to apply for an authorisation?

  • submit an application to the Director General of Civil Aviation
  • pay the prescribed fees

9. Can I drop or permit any article or animal from UAS?

The person in charge of the UAS shall not cause or permit any article or animal whether or not attached a parachute to be dropped from UAS

10. Do I need to register the unmanned aircraft system?

  • small unmanned aircraft and small unmanned surveillance is NOT required to be registered.
  • unmanned aircraft system of more than 20kg is REQUIRED to be registered.

 11. Certificate of airworthiness

  • no requirement to obtain the certificate of airworthiness for small unmanned aircraft and small unmanned surveillance
  • UAS of more than 20kg must obtain the certificate of airworthiness in order to fly

12. How much is the fee?

• Application for authorization to fly

o Unmanned aircraft system of more than 20kg – RM1000
o Small unmanned surveillance aircraft – RM250

• Application for authorization to fly unmanned aircraft system for purpose of aerial work
o New application – RM800
o Renewal – RM500 (per year)
o Variation – RM250

13. Penalties

  • where the person is an individual, to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both
  • where the person is a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand ringgit

http://www.dca.gov.my/aviation-professionals/faq/faq-on-unmanned-aircraft-system-uas/

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