Reply to media enquiry on unmanned aircraft flying activities

The amendments to the system regulating the unmanned aircraft activities in the “Air Navigation Regulation of Macau”, which became effective since 6 October 2021 till 28 December 2021, the number of registered users for the "Online Application for drone operation permit" was 1,747. The number of notifications was 1,200, and the number of applications for activity permit was 138. The declared locations for flying unmanned aircrafts mainly took place in the neighborhood of World Heritage Sites and tourist attractions in Macao.

As the unmanned aircraft flying activities involving activity permit considered as higher risk and may affect the safety of other airspace users, AACM will review the necessity of flying unmanned aircrafts whether it is in fact for the common good and the applicant can provide that measures will be taken to reduce the safety risk.

In addition, vision will be affected in nighttime, it is generally more difficult for operators to recognize the outline of surrounding scenery and maintain a line of sight of the unmanned aircraft when it compares with daytime operations. When the safety factor is reduced, there will be a higher safety risk. Therefore, anyone who wishes to carry out unmanned aircraft flying activities in Macao in nighttime has to file an application with the Civil Aviation Authority. AACM will assess whether the unmanned aircraft is equipped with lighting equipment, the operator has taken a risk assessment prior to flight and is capable to locate the unmanned aircraft at all times and so on for approval. 

AACM will continue to review the implementation of control measures for flying unmanned aircrafts in nighttime in the neighbouring areas and regions, as well as the new technology development of unmanned aircrafts, and adjust relevant regulations in due course.

There were total 45 cases of violations since the “Air Navigation Regulation of Macau” became effective in September 2016, which mainly involved performing a flying activity in the protection area without obtaining a permit or flying took place in nighttime. Anyone who does not comply with the requirements is regarded as an act of administrative violation and will be liable to a fine of MOP2,000 to MOP20,000. AACM takes the opportunity to remind that relevant violations may also contravene other crimes ordinance and result in more severe penalties.