Strict official flight rules peeve droners

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Civil Aviation Institute(IDAC) regulation of unmanned aircraft (drones) has peeved some operators,especially those who use them for aerial photos and films.

They also note costs of added Customs taxes as high as 80%to enter the country; the norm’s restrictions on operational hours and restrictionson points of filming.

Juan Javier Galvez, of the company Drone RD, calls therules exaggerated on the requirement for insurance because in his view it’svery difficult to see a drone crash because "its security system is almostperfect."

"Of course, non-professional pilots can collide and well,fall but after the first week of flight that is reduced to 98%. It is quite simpleto learn to crew a drone," said the expert, quoted by listin.com.do.

The IDAC requires certified operators, sets flight altitudesfor aircraft weighing 4.4 pounds (2 kg) to 55 pounds (25 kilos) and visual contactat all times.