Drone legislation introduced

The federal government has proposed legislation governing the commercial operation of drones, which include exams and a practical test to demonstrate flying ability.

The proposals come from the desk of federal mobility minister Jacqueline Galant, faced with the explosive growth of drone ownership, as reported last week: 1,000 new drones are sold in Belgium every month. Many are being bought by business in sectors like real estate, architecture, photography and security.

Until now, the only law applied to the sector was a 1954 royal decree on model aeroplanes. “I am aware that the sector continues to evolve and that Belgium has to move in line with that evolution,” Galant said.

Private owners will not require a licence to operate a drone, but it can only be operated at a height of 30 metres maximum.

Commercial operators have to undergo a medical examination and take a test with questions relating to aviation. Operators will be required to pass a practical flying test to show their steering aptitude. Once a licence is obtained, operators will have to log at least two hours of airtime a year, with a minimum of six flights.

The rules also require drones for professional use to be registered and to carry some mark of identification to prevent users from circumventing the rules by posing as private users. A height ceiling of 90 metres is being applied to commercial users – a limit considered safe for other air traffic, while also allowing the large majority of professional tasks to be carried out. Exceptions to the ceiling can be obtained for particular jobs.

The Belgian Unmanned Aircraft System Association said it was happy with the proposals. “Although we would have preferred to see a plan that was drawn up in consultation with the sector, this is a major step forward,” said chair Koen Meuleman. “We would also have preferred a higher maximum height; heights of 100 to 120 metres are ideal for surveyors.”

The proposals now go to the regional governments for advice before being submitted for approval of the Council of State.

photo courtesy alldrone.nl