Three vertical bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, and red, with the national coat of arms centered in the yellow band. The latter band is slightly wider than the other 2 so that the ratio of band widths is 8:9:8. The coat of arms features a quartered shield with the emblems of (starting in the upper left and proceeding clockwise): Urgell, Foix, Bearn, and Catalonia. The motto reads VIRTUS UNITA FORTIOR (Strength United is Stronger). The flag combines the blue and red French colors with the red and yellow of Spain to show Franco-Spanish protection.
Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Google Earth
Composite satellite image of the Pyrenees. Andorra lies about one-third of the way into the range from the east (right). The country is composed primarily of rugged mountains, but these are dissected by three narrow valleys where most of the populace lives.
Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Andorra is a member of
ICAO.
Last updated on April 16, 2024
Government
According to Britannica, historically, the coprinces (the French president and the bishop of Urgel) represented Andorra internationally and jointly headed the government through their delegates. The elected members of Andorra’s unicameral legislature, the 28-member General Council of the Valleys, were responsible for internal administration and functioned as both an informal legislature and a cabinet headed by a prime minister. The 1993 constitution, approved by Andorran voters in a referendum, changed this structure and transferred most of the powers of the coprinces to the General Council, which became a true national parliament elected by universal suffrage. Every four years, the General Council elects an Executive Council president who heads the government and who then chooses cabinet members. The government was newly empowered to raise revenues through taxation, to create an independent judiciary, to give citizens the right to form political parties and trade unions, and to control its foreign policy and join international organizations. The coprinces remained the constitutional heads of state, though this role was largely ceremonial. In the early 21st century the main political parties were the centre-right Democrats for Andorra, the Social Democratic Party, and the Lauredian Union.
Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)
Government of Andorra states that the Ministry of Public Administration, Transport and Telecommunications is in charge of aviation matters.
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. Andorra AIP
Drone Regulations
The regulation of unmanned aircraft is approved
The Council of Ministers has approved, on Feb 26, 2016, the Regulation of unmanned, remotely piloted aircraft, which regulates the circulation of these devices (drones) in the Andorran territory.
The Regulation emanating from the Air Navigation Law of November 9, 2000, responds to a need brought about by the technological advances of recent years, in which unmanned aircraft have become professional and leisure instruments that provide technological advantages to its users. However, these devices also present risks related to air traffic and therefore it was necessary to regulate the possibilities and limitations of the devices.
Thus, at the proposal of the Ministry of Public Administration, Transport and Telecommunications, a Regulation has been approved that is based on the recommendations issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and takes into account the experience and knowledge of neighboring states. The text is based on the skills and capabilities of the aircraft and the pilot, and separates the operations according to their risk, modulating the requirements according to the whole of the operation. In this way, the needs of the operator are taken into account depending on the size of the device, the area where you want to operate and the risk of the operation.
Regarding the flight zones, different requirements are established according to the effect on third parties and also according to the category. Thus, in the free zones the requirements will be minimal, and as the risk is greater, the authorization of the Administration will be required.
In addition, the text regulates all commercial operations with drones, so that operations will be permitted as long as there is a favorable risk assessment and mitigation study approved by the Department in charge of aviation. In all cases, the flight height cannot exceed 150 meters above ground level.
Thus, for example, the Regulation establishes that owners of drone devices up to 1 kg are considered toys and do not require authorization for this use. The owners of drones between 1 and 25 kg that operate in Andorra must inform the competent Ministry of the property, as well as of any accident or incident that may occur. These aircraft, between 1 and 25 kg, must also always have insurance to fly at more than 50 meters in height, and in all cases if it is a commercial operation.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
Short Essay Questions
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 search for a party of missing hikers in the Pyrenees, pictured above.
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!
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?
May you operate beyond visual line of sight?
If so, what procedures must you follow?
Does the country have UAM/AAM laws? If so, describe, citing the exact law.
Are you aware of any new laws or policies not mentioned above? If so, describe, citing the exact law or policy.
