217 Sao Tome & Principe
Three horizontal bands of green (top), yellow (double width), and green with two black five-pointed stars placed side by side in the center of the yellow band and a red isosceles triangle based on the hoist side. Green stands for the country’s rich vegetation, red recalls the struggle for independence, and yellow represents cocoa, one of the country’s main agricultural products. The two stars symbolize the two main islands.
Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Waterfall in São Tomé Island
Government
According to Britannica, under the constitution of 1990 (since amended), the president, who is head of state, is directly elected to a five-year term and is limited to two successive terms. The prime minister serves as the head of government. The legislature is unicameral, with a 55-seat National Assembly. Assembly members are elected by popular vote and serve four-year terms. In April 1995 Príncipe became an autonomous region.
The political and judicial structures adopted at independence in 1975 were those of a single-party state modeled on the Soviet example, but the regime never formally proclaimed its adherence to Marxism-Leninism. Free elections for the legislative assembly and the presidency were established by the constitution of 1990 and first held in 1991. At that time close ties with eastern European countries and Cuba were replaced by improved relations with Portugal, France, and other Western countries.
Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)
The National Institute of Civil Aviation (INAC) was created through Decree-Law No. 44/98 of 30 December. It is the State body that holds the attributions of the “Aeronautical Authority”. As an Aeronautical Authority, it advises the Government on the definition of policies for civil aviation, collaborating in the elaboration of legal diplomas and regulations. It coordinates, supervises, controls, supervises and inspects all activities related to civil aviation throughout the national space and under the jurisdiction of São Tomé and Príncipe.
Airspace
SkyVector – Google Maps – ADS-B Exchange
ICAO countries publish an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). This document is divided into three parts: General (GEN), En Route (ENR) and Aerodromes (AD). ENR 1.4 details the types of airspace classes they chose to adopt from classes A through G. Sao Tome and Principe AIP
Drone Regulations
Currently, there is no legal framework for the use of drones.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
Short Essay Questions
Question 1
You have been hired by a Drone Startup Company. Your boss has immediately assigned this job to you.
They need you to prepare a one-page memo detailing the legalities of using a drone to film waterfalls in Sao Tome Island.
They need you to mention any national laws and local ordinances.
They specifically want to know what airspace you will be operating in and whether or not you need an airspace authorization.
Does it matter whether or not you are a citizen of the country?
Lastly, there is a bonus for you if, as you scroll through this chapter, you find any typos or broken links!
Question 2
Do you need a certificate to fly UAS?
If so, how do you obtain one?
Are there fees associated with this?
If so, how much?
Question 3
May you operate beyond visual line of sight?
If so, what procedures must you follow?
Question 4
Does the country have UAM/AAM laws? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Question 5
Are you aware of any new laws or policies not mentioned above? If so, describe, citing the exact law or policy.
