The use of non-registered drones for commercial activities will be slapped with up to Dh20,000 in fines in Dubai following the approval of new civil aviation rules.

Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved Executive Council Resolution No. (4) of 2017 related to fines and fees of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), it was announced on Thursday.

As per the resolution, anyone who seeks to perform an activity in the aviation sector in Dubai must get a license from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority.

Licenses issued are valid for a renewable period of one year.

The application for renewal should be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry of the license.

The resolution specifies the fees associated with the services of the Civil Aviation Authority.

This includes fees for the issuance of licenses related to the aviation sector, accreditation of institutes, clubs and aeronautical programmes, landing fees for private jets, unscheduled passenger and cargo flights, approval for new runways for planes, and general services of the Authority as well as fees for issuing building permits.

In case the authority requires the services of a third party, the customer is liable for all the charges incurred. In this case, the customer should be notified in advance, and the Authority’s estimation of costs is final.

The following rules/fines were set:

• A fine of Dh5,000 is imposed on those who carry out activities in the aviation sector without receiving a license or a no-objection letter from the Authority.
• Activities covered also include fireworks and laser displays, aerial photography and advertising, balloon launches and air lights.
• Organising air shows without a no-objection letter will invite a fine of Dh30,000, while organising an event that could affect air navigation will bring a fine of Dh10,000.
• Conducting an activity that can seriously endanger air navigation will bring a fine of Dh30,000.
• Using non-registered drones for commercial activities will invite fines of between Dh2,000 and Dh20,000.
• Using non-registered drones for other activities will bring a fine of between Dh1,000 and Dh20,000.
• Using drones during events without a no-objection letter from the Authority can bring a fine of Dh10,000.
• Establishing a warehouse to store dangerous goods in an avigation easement area will invite a fine of Dh10,000.
• Failure to have aircraft warning lights, and conducting aviation sector related activity without meeting the terms and conditions of the Authority can bring fines of between Dh5,000 and Dh10,000.
• Delay in renewing the licenses following expiry without an acceptable excuse will draw a fine of 10% of the fee every month

source : gulfnews