The operational guidelines that regulate the use of drones in Costa Rica is headed towards reality between turbulences.
Although few details are needed for the regulation to come into force, there is a strong opposition from the Costa Rican Association of Operators of Drones (ACODRON) for the imposition of a payment of $ 1,874 for a business license and the need for a theoretical and practical training.
Roberto Gallardo Loría, president of ACODRON, said the organization is unhappy with the Civil Aviation’s proposal, and they expressed their discomfort in the Presidential House.
The industry does not oppose to regulation. However, they ask for simple standards as those applied in the United States, where registration and examination of basic knowledge are made via Internet.
The requirements being questioned are:
– 48 hours of theoretical training and 10 hours of practical training.
– Operations Manual if intended for commercial use.
– Maintenance plan to change propellers or batteries.
– Payment of insurance policy.
– Cost of commercial license (more than 900 thousand colones).
– Regulation applies to natural or legal persons who profit from the aircraft (those who use it to record videos or photos, including media).
– Operating license must be granted by aviation schools, manufacturers or instructors, for $ 94, only to adults, and must be renewed periodically.
– The penalty for disrespecting legislation amounts to 20 basis wages.
ACODRON believes the requirements would become ‘obstacles’ to avoid legalizing the operation of this equipment.
Among other measures, the maximum flying height is 120 meters above the ground, drones may not operate within 8 kilometers of airports or buildings such as prisons and the Presidential House.