The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) of the Ministry of Communications in Brunei has reminded the public that launching of any unmanned aircraft, commonly known as drone, is a prohibited activity under Section 21 of the Civil Aviation Order 2006.
The DCA said it is an offence to use Unmanned Aircraft (UA), Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as they can pose a number of safety and security risks to air navigation, controlled airspace and densely-populated areas.
Any such unregulated flying activities may have catastrophic consequences to aircraft operations resulting in injuries to persons and damage to properties, stated the DCA in its press release.
Although exemptions on the use of UAs are granted by the DCA on a case-by-case basis with the terms, limitation and conditions set out in the authorisation of the DCA, UA owners or any others who contravene or fail to comply with any provision of the Order is guilty of an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $50,000 and imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both, based under Section 51 of the Civil Aviation Order 2006.
The DCA further stated that it does recognise the innovative potential of the use of UAs and that the department is currently undergoing consultations with stakeholders in developing and reviewing a regulatory framework on the use of UA.
“This regulatory framework will address the safety and security concerns and risks associated with the use of UAs,” the department said in a statement.
“Nevertheless, the DCA would like to seek the cooperation from the public to adhere to the existing Civil Aviation Order for the safety and security of the air navigation”.
Source: Press Release