13 Costa Rica
Five horizontal bands of blue (top), white, red (double width), white, and blue, with the coat of arms in a white elliptical disk placed toward the hoist side of the red band. Costa Rica retained the earlier blue-white-blue flag of Central America until 1848 when, in response to revolutionary activity in Europe, it was decided to incorporate the French colors into the national flag and a central red stripe was added. Today the blue color is said to stand for the sky, opportunity, and perseverance, white denotes peace, happiness, and wisdom, while red represents the blood shed for freedom, as well as the generosity and vibrancy of the people.
Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Volcano Arenal, seen here from the town of La Fortuna, was dormant for hundreds of years until it suddenly erupted in 1968. It remained active, off and on, for decades, but has been relatively quiescent since 2010, with only occasional rumbles.
Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Government
According to Britannica, Costa Rica is governed by its constitution of November 1949, the 10th in its history. A president, two vice presidents, and a unicameral Legislative Assembly are elected at the same time for a term of four years, the assembly by proportional representation. Presidents may not run for immediate reelection, though they are eligible to serve again after sitting out two successive presidential terms. Since the adoption of the constitution of 1949, Costa Rica has given an unusual degree of power to autonomous agencies, including state-financed universities and regional development institutes such as the National Insurance Institute, the Social Security Institute, and the Costa Rica Tourist Institute. These agencies provide additional opportunity for participation in government, but because of powers independent of the central administration they have made central planning more challenging.
The country’s seven provinces are administered by governors appointed by the president. The provinces represent judicial and electoral jurisdictions; most government agencies with their own administrative branches may not account for provincial boundaries. Each province is divided into cantones (cantons), and each canton is divided into distritos (districts). Councilmen for the cantons are elected locally, but budgets for all political units are approved by the national government, which controls nearly all the funds available to local governments.
In the Costa Rican system of justice, cases may be decided by a single judge or by a panel of judges; the jury system is not used, but the courts are generally noted for their fairness. Capital punishment is banned, and sentences to the penitentiary must be for a stated number of years. The highest court is the Supreme Court of Justice. Magistrates of the Supreme Court are chosen by the assembly for eight-year terms and automatically continue for a second eight-year term unless removed by a two-thirds vote. An independent Supreme Electoral Tribunal, which has extraordinary powers during elections, oversees the election process.
Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)
The General Directorate of Civil Aviation is dedicated to the planning, regulation, provision, and promotion of civil aviation activity in Costa Rica. Through their Quality Management System, they are committed to:
– Guarantee the operational safety and sustainable development of the civil aeronautical activity of Costa Rica.
– Comply with national and international regulations applicable to their operations.
– Satisfy the requirements of the users and the processes incorporated into the Management System.
– Seek efficiency through the continuous improvement of their Management System.
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. Costa Rica Airspace
The Central American Corporation for Air Navigation Services (COCESNA) is an International Organization for Central American Integration, non-profit and public service, with legal status and financial autonomy, created on February 26, 1960 and governed by a Board of Directors, which it is constituted in its highest collegiate body, which is made up of the representatives of the signatory States of its Constitutive Agreement; established with well-defined objectives and purposes to respond and jointly comply with civil aviation international commitments contracted as signatory countries of the Convention on International Civil Aviation of 1944, known as the Chicago Convention. In that order, COCESNA enjoys the exclusive rights to provide Air Traffic, Aeronautical Telecommunications and Radio Assistance services in the territories of the Member States and other services established in the regional plans that have been entrusted to it by the Contracting Parties. under an international agreement. Its operations are fundamentally based on the Standards and Methods recommended by the ICAO. The adherence to the established norms and the search for excellence constitute COCESNA’s fundamental objectives.
As a result of the notable progress in aviation at the end of the 1950s, especially with the entry into service of jet aircraft, the need to modernize and strengthen the region’s air navigation services was valued, for which, in the month November 1959, a meeting with the Directors was held in Guatemala. Generals of Civil Aeronautics of Central America at that time, within which it was agreed to convene a Diplomatic Conference aimed at establishing a specialized regional organization, with the necessary human and financial resources to meet these modern requirements, as well as to unify and coordinate regional intergovernmental efforts and actions that would benefit the users of these services. Therefore, from February 22 to 26, 1960, the V Conference of Directors of Civil Aeronautics was held in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, signing the guidelines of the Central American Corporation of Air Navigation Services -COCESNA, thus marking the beginning of its existence and operation. Consequently and by virtue of its nature, on February 1, 1961, its Constitutive Agreement was registered with the International Civil Aviation Organization – ICAO and on January 2, 1962 with the United Nations (UN). During the year 1963, COCESNA acquires the official recognition of the States of the Central American isthmus, through decrees and laws that ratified its Constitutive Agreement issued by the Legislative Assemblies of each Member State. Costa Rica is a member state of COCESNA.
Drone Regulations
UAS Regulations can be seen on the General Directorate of Civil Aviation website.
The latest regulations are from August 2023
Operation limitations and what you can and cannot do with your UAS.
RPAS Operations Report – an online form.
Drone Registration – an online portal.
DO-002-OPS-RPAS ED. No. 4 (2023) Translated into English by Google
Translations
Translations of any materials into English are intended solely as a convenience to the public and are not legally binding. The author has merely attempted to provide a Google translation of the original material to English for convenience. Due to the nuances in translating to a foreign language, several differences may exist so before using for any work or pleasure please have the document translated by a professional service!
To fly your unmanned model aircraft recreationally, you do not need approval of the DGAC, but you must follow the following safety guidelines and comply with the provisions of AIC No. 05 Series C of May 8, 2015 (see below):
Can:
1- You can fly your drone from model airplanes in a club or association of Aeromodelling.
2- You can take safety lessons or courses flight operational.
3- You can use your unmanned aircraft model airplanes for personal enjoyment.
Can not:
1- You cannot fly your unmanned model aircraft near manned aircraft.
2- You cannot fly your unmanned model airplane out of the visual range of the radio control operator.
3- You cannot fly your unmanned model airplane if it weighs more than 25 kg.
4- You cannot fly your unmanned model airplane in paid or commercial activities.
5- You cannot fly your unmanned model aircraft above 400ft and 8Km around an Airport.
6- You cannot fly your unmanned model aircraft affecting people’s privacy.
OPERATION RESTRICTIONS AND LIMITATIONS FOR UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES
The General Directorate of Civil Aviation informs all users of Air Vehicles No Manned (UAV), Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) and non-aircraft manned model aircraft, operating limitations and airspace restrictions for the use of these aircraft.
A person must NOT operate an unmanned aircraft under the following conditions:
1. In a prohibited, restricted zone (published in the AIP of Costa Rica), except with the permission and the conditions established by the DGAC.
2. In controlled airspace, except with the permission and conditions established by the DGAC.
3. Within a radius of 8 km around an aerodrome, except with the permission and the conditions established by the DGAC. In such a way that it may constitute an obstacle to another aircraft approaching or departing from a landing area or runway of an aerodrome.
4. No person may operate an unmanned aircraft close enough to another aircraft, so that it may constitute a collision hazard.
5. You cannot operate above 400 feet (120 m) above ground level in the uncontrolled airspace, except with the permission and conditions established by the DGAC.
6. Aerial activities can be carried out with unmanned aircraft only during the day and in visual meteorological conditions, the performance of night flights is subject to the approval and conditions of the DGAC.
7. Unmanned aircraft can ONLY operate in areas outside of agglomerations of buildings in cities, towns or inhabited places, gatherings of people outdoors, in uncontrolled airspace, except with the permission and conditions established by the DGAC.
DO-002-OPS-RPAS EDITION No. 4
-August 2023-
Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) are a new component of the aeronautical system. These systems are based on cutting-edge aerospace technological innovations, offering advances that can open up new and better commercial or civil applications, as well as improvements in the operational safety and efficiency of all civil aviation.
The safe integration of RPAS into non-segregated airspace will be a long-term activity in which many interested participants will contribute their experience and knowledge on diverse topics such as licensing and medical qualification of crew (RPAS). , technologies for detect and avoid systems, frequency spectrums (including their protection from unintentional or illicit interference), separation standards from other aircraft and the development of a robust regulatory framework that integrates the entire aeronautical system.
However, while ICAO, as the world governing body in Civil Aviation, establishes the integration parameters within the global aeronautical spectrum, the DGAC, based on its powers and attributions, issues this Operational Directive (DO) where it establishes the basic standards for the operation with systems of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS), to guarantee that the activity maintains operational safety similar to that of conventional civil aviation and as stated by the ICAO.
The reason for this Operational Directive (DO-001-OPS-RPAS) is to update information related to guidance material for air operators 2.1 exclusively for operations with civil Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS); (Remotely Piloted Aircaft).
The scope of application covers all air operators that operate in Costa Rican territory, and that are duly recognized by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
This Operational Directive is transitory in nature and will be in force until the issuance of the RAC-RPAS Decree, which includes the updated information that has been indicated. The issuance of the RAC-RPAS that is presented after the date of issuance of this DO repeals this Operational Directive in all its aspects.
− Air operators must take note and comply with the provisions of this Operational Directive.
− Air operators must comply with the provisions of the current RAC OPS 1 and with this Operational Directive.
Please refer to the last page of this document.
This Operational Directive comes into force upon its approval by the general director.
This is Edition 4 of DO-002-OPS-RPAS and it repeals all previous DOs.
a) Civil Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS); (Remotely Piloted Aircaft).
b) RPA of greater weight intended for carrying out firefighting, search and rescue activities and other activities with due approval from the DGAC.
c) Unmanned recreational aircraft modelling, the following chapter of the DO-001-OPS-RPAS applies: Chapter 11 (Data Protection and Privacy), Appendix C (Operation Limitations) and AIC No. 05 Series C of the May 8, 2015 (see website www.dgac.go.cr for more information).
This Regulation does not apply to the operation of:
a) Small model airplanes that fly in a circle, and are controlled in attitude and altitude, by means of a limited cable attached to a handle or rope by the person who operates the aircraft.
b) Model aircraft operated inside a facility and/or structure; also unmanned radio-controlled aircraft limited to a maximum range of 40 meters (130 feet) for recreational use.
c) State unmanned aircraft for security operations.
3.4. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS
ICAO – Circular 328 AN /190 – Unmanned aircraft system.
DGAC of Guatemala – RAC 101 – Regulations for unmanned aircraft, model aircraft and fireworks
AESA Spain – Royal Decree-Law 8/2014, of July 4, 2014 – Approval of urgent measures for growth, competitiveness and efficiency.
ICAO – Doc 10019 – Manual RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System)
ICAO – Appendix 2 – Amendment 47
DGAC Costa Rica – RAC 119 – Operational Certificates for Aeronautical Teaching Schools, Aerial Works, Aeronautical Technical Services and authorizations for Foreign Air Operators.
A.C. – Alternating current
ACAS – On-board anti-collision system
ACP – Aeronautical communications panel
ACSA – Central American Agency for Aeronautical Safety
ADS-B – Automatic dependent surveillance — broadcasting
AFIS – Aerodrome flight information service
AGL – Above surface level
AM(R)S – Aeronautical mobile service (r)
ARNS – Aeronautical radio navigation service
ARNSS – Aeronautical satellite radionavigation service
ATC – air traffic control
ATM – Air traffic management
ATS – Air traffic services
BRLOS – Beyond the radio line
BVLOS – Beyond line of sight
C2 – Command and control
C3 – Command, control and communications
CofA – Certificate of Airworthiness
CMR – World Radiocommunication Conference
CPDLC – Controller-pilot data link communications
DGAC – General Directorate of Civil Aviation
EASA – European Aviation Safety Agency
EUROCAE – European organization for civil aviation equipment
FCC – Flight control computer
H.F. – High frequency
IFR – Instrument flight rules
kg – Kilogram
km – kilometer
km/h – Kilometer per hour
kn – Kilonewton
kt – Knot
m – Meter
ICAO – International Civil Aviation Organization
PANS – Procedures for air navigation services
QOS – Quality of service
RPA – Remotely piloted aircraft
RPAS – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System
RTCA – RTCA, Inc.
SAR – Search and rescue
SARPs – Standards and recommended practices
SATCOM – satellite communication
SFE-MAG – State Phytosanitary Service – Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock
SMAS(R) – Aeronautical mobile (R) satellite service
SMS – Safety management system
SSP – State operational safety program
U.A. – unmanned aircraft
UAS – Unmanned aircraft system(s)
UAV – Unmanned aerial vehicle (obsolete term)
ITU – International Telecommunication Union
R.O.C. – RPAS Operator Certificate
VDL – VHF digital link
VFR – Visual flight rules
VHF – Very high frequency
VLOS – Visual direct visibility
VMC – Visual flight meteorological conditions
4.2.1. Model aircraft: Commonly called model aircraft, name given internationally, model aircraft the total weight of which does not exceed 25 kg (55 lb), which is mechanically propelled or launched into flight for recreational purposes and which It is not designed for the transportation of people or other living beings.
4.2.2. Aircraft*. Any machine that can be sustained in the atmosphere by reactions of the air other than its reactions against the surface of the earth.
4.2.3. Autonomous aircraft. Unmanned aircraft that does not allow the pilot to intervene in flight management.
4.2.4. Aircraft (category of)*. Classification of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics, for example: airplane, helicopter, glider, free balloon.
4.2.5. Unmanned aircraft. Aircraft intended to fly without a pilot on board.
4.2.6. Remotely piloted aircraft. Aircraft that does not have a pilot on board at the controls.
Note. — This is a subcategory of unmanned aircraft.
4.2.8. Approved Area: means an area for the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles.
4.2.9. Operational control*. Authority exercised with respect to the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of a flight in the interest of the safety of the aircraft and the regularity and efficiency of the flight.
4.2.10. Detect and avoid. Ability to see, sense or detect conflicting traffic or other hazards and take appropriate action to comply with applicable flight rules.
4.2.11. Link C2. Data link between the remotely piloted aircraft and the remote pilot station for flight directing purposes.
4.2.12. Lost link. Loss of contact of the C2 link with the remotely piloted aircraft that prevents the remote pilot from directing the flight of the aircraft.
4.2.13. Segregated airspace. Airspace of specified dimensions assigned to specific users for their exclusive use.
4.2.14. Remote pilot station. Station in which the remote pilot directs the flight of an unmanned aircraft.
4.2.15. Exploitative*. Person, organization or company that is dedicated, or proposes to be dedicated, to the operation of aircraft.
4.2.16. Member of the crew*. Person to whom the operator assigns obligations that he must fulfill on board, during the flight service period.
4.2.17. Member of the flight crew*. Crew member, holder of the corresponding license, who is assigned essential duties for the operation of an aircraft during the flight duty period.
4.2.18. Remote crew member. Crew member, holder of a license, in charge of tasks essential to the operation of a remotely piloted aircraft during flight time.
4.2.19. RPA Observer. Remote crew member who, through visual observation of the remotely piloted aircraft, assists the remote pilot in safely conducting the flight.
4.2.20. Autonomous operation. An operation during which a remotely piloted aircraft flies without pilot intervention in managing the flight.
4.2.21. Commercial Operation. Aircraft operation carried out for commercial purposes (topographic survey, security surveillance, fauna study, fumigation) other than commercial air transport, paid or for hire.
4.2.22. Operation with visual line of sight. Operation in which the remote crew maintains direct visual contact with the aircraft to direct its flight and satisfy separation and collision avoidance responsibilities.
4.2.23. Remotely piloted. Control of an aircraft from a pilot station that is not on board the aircraft.
4.2.24. Pilot*. Manipulate the controls of an aircraft during flight time.
4.2.25. Pilot at the controls. Person who manipulates the flight controls of an aircraft and is responsible for its flight path.
4.2.26. Pilot in command*. Pilot designated by the operator, or by the owner in the case of general aviation, to be in command and responsible for the safe conduct of a flight.
4.2.27. Remote pilot. Person who manipulates the flight controls of a remotely piloted aircraft during flight time.
4.2.28. Flight recorder**. Any type of recorder installed on the aircraft in order to facilitate the investigation of accidents or incidents. In the case of remotely piloted aircraft, it also includes any type of recorder installed at a remote pilot station for the purpose of facilitating the investigation of accidents or incidents.
4.2.29. Unmanned aircraft system. Aircraft and its related elements that operate without a pilot on board.
4.2.30. Remotely piloted aircraft system. Set of configurable elements made up of a remotely piloted aircraft, its related remote pilot stations, the necessary C2 links and any other system element that may be required at any point during the flight operation.
4.2.31. Flight time — planes*. Total time elapsed from when the aircraft begins to move with the purpose of taking off, until it comes to a complete stop at the end of the flight.
4.2.32. Flight time — helicopters*. Total time elapsed from when the rotor blades begin to rotate until the helicopter comes to a complete stop at the end of the flight and the rotor blades stop.
4.2.33. Instrument flight time*. Time during which an aircraft is piloted solely by means of instruments without reference to external points.
4.2.34. Transfer. Action of transferring piloting control from one remote pilot station to another.
4.2.35. Direct radio visibility. Direct point-to-point electronic contact between a transmitter and a receiver.
4.2.36. Populated zone or area: Populated zone or area is an area related to the operation of an unmanned aircraft, if the area has a population density sufficient for some aspects of the operation, or some event that may occur during the operation, in particular ; a failure in the aircraft that may put the life, safety or property of someone or something in the said area at excessive risk and which is not related to the operation.
5.1 CLASSIFICATION OF RPAS
Aircraft will be classified based on their weight in accordance with Table 1 below.
Micro RPAS. ≤100 grams
small RPAS. ≤2kg
Light RPAS. ≤25kg
big RPAS. ≤150kg
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). They are made up of four fundamental elements:
a) The Pilot/observer
b) The Control Station
c) The link (Data Link)
d) The Aircraft
5.3 REGISTRATION, IDENTIFICATION, REGISTRATION AND OPERATION
5.3.1. All Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS) weighing less than 25 Kg must have an identification plate attached to their structure that must contain, legible to the naked eye, if possible and indelible, the identification of the aircraft. , which will consist of the serial number, as well as the name of the operating company or owner and the telephone number to contact it.
5.3.2. In addition to what is established in the previous paragraph 5.3.1, the DGAC may allow the operation of aircraft weighing more than 25 kg or the maximum takeoff weight indicated by its manufacturer, for agricultural activities and other aerial work, where the interested party can demonstrate that the work is carried out in places where there are no populated areas and conglomerations of people, and they may be authorized on a case-by-case basis to define design and maintenance limitations. For this type of operations, RPAS that require the use of a takeoff and landing runway must have their own runway that complies with the manufacturer’s limitations.
5.3.3. In both cases of 5.3.1 and 5.3.2, the owner of the unmanned aircraft, the applicant or the holder of an operational certificate, must register the RPAS on the official website of the General Directorate of Civil Aviation, in the attached link http://drones.dgac.go.cr/Presentacion/PaginaPrincipal.aspx, in which you will obtain the corresponding registration.
5.3.4. Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS) whose maximum takeoff mass exceeds 25 Kg and that have a type certificate and the corresponding standard airworthiness certificate, must comply with the provisions of Annex 7 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation “Nationality Marks.” and Aircraft Registration Numbers”, and be registered in the National Aircraft Registry. Remotely piloted civil aircraft with a maximum takeoff mass equal to or less than said weight are exempt from compliance with such requirements.
5.3.5. With the exception of aircraft for agricultural use, Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS) whose maximum takeoff mass exceeds 25 Kg and that do not have a type certificate or the corresponding airworthiness certificate, but that have a special authorization, issued by a ICAO member state, its operation may be authorized by the DGAC, which will have the same certification period established by the DGAC. Said authorization will be given within a period of 1 month.
These RPAS, as applicable, will be governed by the provisions of RAC-21 Regulation on Acceptance Procedures for Aeronautical Product Certificates (Decree No. 28642-MOPT and its amendments) and RAC-45 Regulation on license plates and identification of current aircraft.
5.4 REGISTRATION OF ONBOARD COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT
5.4.1 All Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) weighing less than 25 kg and whose controls operate in the free use bands in accordance with the provisions of the National Frequency Allocation Plan must comply with the “Procedure for homologation of devices that operate in the free use bands”, this approval is carried out before the Superintendence of Telecommunications, the approval certificate must be presented to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
5.4.2 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) whose maximum takeoff mass exceeds 25 kg and whose controls operate in the free use bands in accordance with the provisions of the National Frequency Allocation Plan, must comply with the “Procedure approval of devices that operate in the free use bands”, this approval is carried out before the Superintendency of Telecommunications, the approval certificate must be presented to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation
5.4.3 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) whose maximum takeoff mass exceeds 25 kg and whose controls operate through the specific assignment of a frequency, must carry out a process with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications and the respective enabling title must be presented to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
5.5 REGISTRATION OF IRRIGATION EQUIPMENT FOR RPAS WITH THE SFE-MAG
5.5.1 Every commercial and non-commercial aerial fumigation company with RPAS must be registered with the SFE-MAG as a company dedicated to agricultural aviation.
5.5.2 All aerial fumigation application equipment with RPAS must have the registration number granted by the SFE-MAG.
6.1 OPERATION WITH REMOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (RPAS).
Operations with Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems over the national territory are subject to the following requirements:
a) VLOS OPERATIONS: Remotely piloted civil aircraft whose maximum takeoff mass does not exceed 25 Kg., can only operate in areas outside of agglomerations of buildings in cities, towns or inhabited places or open-air gatherings of people, in uncontrolled airspace, within the pilot’s visual range (VLOS), at a distance from the pilot no greater than 500 meters, and at a height above the ground no greater than 120 meters (400 feet).
b) BVLOS OPERATIONS: Remotely piloted civil aircraft whose maximum takeoff mass does not exceed 25 Kg., can only operate in areas outside of agglomerations of buildings in cities, towns or inhabited places or open-air gatherings of people, in uncontrolled airspace, beyond the pilot’s visual range (BVLOS), within the radio broadcast range of the control station and at a maximum height above the ground not exceeding 120 meters (400 feet), provided they have means to know the position of the aircraft. The carrying out of the flights must be conditioned on the issuance of a NOTAM by AIS in the DGAC, at the request of the duly authorized operator or owner, to inform the rest of the airspace users of the area in which it will operate of the operation. occur.
c) SPECIAL OPERATIONS: The DGAC based on risk analysis studies and operational procedures established by the operator or owner may allow operations in uncontrolled airspace in the following cases:
1. Flights with Remotely Piloted Civil Aircraft beyond the radio line (BRLOS).
2. Flights with Remotely Piloted Civil Aircraft in night or IFR operations.
3. Flights with Remotely Piloted Civil Aircraft whose maximum takeoff mass exceeds 25 Kg.
4. Flights with RPAS at distances less than 30 meters from buildings in cities, towns or inhabited places or from outdoor gatherings of people.
5. The DGAC must establish the operation approvals for special flights in the Operation Ratings and Specifications or Operation Conditions and Limitations, as the case may be.
d) In addition, the operations provided for in the previous paragraphs must require:
1. That the operator or owner has documentation related to the technical characteristics of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System that he or she is going to use, including the definition of its configuration, characteristics and benefits (Appendix D).
2. That there be an operator’s or owner’s Operations Manual (Appendix E) where the operation procedures are established.
3. That it has carried out an aeronautical safety risk analysis of the operation or operations, which confirms that it can be carried out safely. This Analysis, which may be generic or specific for a specific geographic area or type of operation, must take into account the basic characteristics of the aircraft or aircraft to be used and their equipment and systems (Appendix F).
4. That the test flights necessary to demonstrate that the intended operation can be carried out safely have been carried out with satisfactory results (Appendix G).
5. Maintenance:
(i) For RPAS with maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) greater than 25 Kg, a maintenance program for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System has been established, adjusted to the manufacturer’s recommendations. (See Appendix H)
(ii) For RPAS with MTOW equal to or less than 25 KG, the Operator’s Operations Manual may contain a section of maintenance procedures adjusted to the manufacturer’s recommendations or, in the absence of this, to the operational experience of using the RAPS. The application of such procedures will be the total responsibility of the operator without detriment to the DGAC to make the recommendations or application of requirements that it considers necessary to improve Operational Safety.
6. That the pilots in charge of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System meet the requirements established in this Directive and in Appendix I.
7. The operators or owners of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems must have a current insurance policy that covers civil liability against third parties for damages that may arise during and due to the execution of the flight, the policies They must be formalized in accordance with the coverage provided by the different insurance companies with respect to civil liability, when applicable in accordance with this Operational Directive.
8. That appropriate measures have been adopted to protect Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems from acts of illicit interference during operations, including deliberate interference of the C2 link and established the necessary procedures to prevent access by unauthorized personnel to the control station and location storage of the aircraft, as well as notification to the pertinent ATS unit of this fact when it occurs.
9. That the necessary additional measures have been adopted to guarantee the security of the operation and for the protection of the underlying people and assets.
10. That the operation be carried out at a minimum distance of 8 km. With respect to any airport or aerodrome, the performance of flights less than 8 km must be conditional on the approval of the procedures by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and will include the issuance of the respective NOTAM.
11. Aerial activities can be carried out with remotely piloted civil aircraft only during the day and in visual meteorological conditions. The performance of night flights is subject to the approval of the DGAC.
12. That a recording system has been established with the history of the operation of the RPAS, including flight numbers, flight hours, pilot in command, any system failures, emergencies, incidents or accidents and corrective modifications made to the system. system.
13. The operator or owner must demonstrate that the RPAS has telemetry data (height indications, satellites, speed, battery use), they must have an aeronautical frequency scanner, and they must approve the RPA communication equipment in SUTEL in accordance with the provisions in 5.4. of this Operational Directive.
Operations with remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), intended for aerial work services for the marketing of products or services obtained from the RPAS for remuneration, may only be carried out by natural or legal persons who have an operating certificate and who comply with the provisions of RAC-119, specifically with RAC 119.3 (b)(2), and also complies with the provisions of this Directive.
6.1.2 NON-COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS
Non-commercial aerial activities can be carried out with remotely piloted civil aircraft by their owner, whether natural or legal persons.
Non-commercial operations include activities intended exclusively for private purposes, which do not lead to the public or mass disclosure of the information obtained through the use of the RPAS. In addition, other activities such as: scientific, research, search and rescue, fire fighting, or other activities of interest and that are endorsed by the DGAC.
These activities can only be carried out during the day and in visual meteorological conditions, and subject to the requirements established in section 6.1 a) and b), so that they carry out:
a) Search and rescue flights in areas.
b) Natural disaster evaluation flight carried out with remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
c) Production and maintenance test flights, carried out by manufacturers or organizations dedicated to maintenance.
d) Demonstration flights not open to the public, aimed at closed groups of attendees at a specific event or potential customers of a manufacturer or operator.
e) Flights for research programs, national or international, in which the aim is to demonstrate the viability of carrying out a certain activity with remotely piloted civil aircraft.
f) R&D flights (research and development flights) carried out by manufacturers for the development of new products.
g) Test flights necessary to demonstrate that the activities requested under section 6.1 can be carried out safely.
h) Flights Related to the Organization.
i) Other Special Flights not included in this list and that may be approved based on an evaluation by the DGAC.
The execution of these flights must also require submitting to the DGAC a formal application, Appendix A2, attaching compliance with the requirements established in section 6.1, literal d), numerals 1,3,5,6,7,8,9, 10,11,12, 13 and also establish a safety zone in relation to the flight area.
In cases in which the operation is to be carried out by an operator or owner not subject to the supervision of the DGAC, they must have authorization from the aeronautical authority of the country of origin to carry out the activity in question and accredit before the DGAC that the requirements of that authority are at least equivalent to those established in this section.
Owners of Non-Commercial RPAS with a maximum takeoff weight of 25kg that operate outside controlled airspace and outside a radius of 8km from any Aerodrome in the country, these Non-Commercial RPAS operators will only be required to obtain a pilot license. RPAS, civil liability insurance against third parties and registration of the RPAS on the DGAC website.
6.1.3 PILOTS MUST ACCREDIT THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS: (CERTIFICATE OF SUITABILITY FOR RPAS)
To operate an RPAS for commercial or non-commercial purposes, a certificate of suitability issued by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation is required.
For issuance, a person is eligible to be certified as an RPAS operator if he or she:
a) You have a minimum age of 18 years.
b) Possess a medical certificate equivalent to Class 3 of the RAC-LPTA, issued by one of the designated medical examiners of the DGAC in accordance with Decree No. 44018-MOPT of February 8, 2023 published in La Gaceta No. 107 of 15 June 2023 and renew it every 48 months, which will be reduced to 24 months once the applicant turns 40 years old, which will be reduced to 12 months once the applicant turns 50 years old.
c) Demonstrate that he or she has completed a theoretical and practical training course in the operation of the type of RPAS that he or she proposes to operate, carried out by an aeronautical training center certified by the DGAC. That it contemplates at least what is stipulated in Appendix I of this operational directive. In the event that an RPAS classification is not registered with the training center, practical instruction from the RPAS Manufacturer or an instructor authorized by the DGAC will be accepted.
d) Has at least 10 hours of experience in the operation of unmanned aerial vehicles outside controlled airspace, these hours will be noted and certified in a flight log.
e) Validation of foreign RPAS licenses for commercial purposes:
1. RPAS licenses granted by other States may be validated by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation as long as the foreign license and Medical Certificate are valid.
2. The period of Validation will be for a maximum of three months, and this period may be renewed for a maximum of three months and only once in justifiable cases, as long as the foreign license and Medical Certificate are valid.
3. The DGAC will confirm the validity of the license issued by the State issuing the foreign license before issuing the Certificate of Validation.
4. The Certificate of Validation will lose its validity in the event that the license in respect of which the validation has been granted is revoked or suspended.
5. The applicant must comply with all requirements established in Form 7F203.
f) Cancel the cost and pass the theoretical-practical exams provided by the DGAC.
g) To issue the certificate of suitability, the corresponding payment must be made according to the applicable tariff appendix.
h) RPAS practical instructors must have the certificate of suitability for RPAS and must take the fundamentals of instruction (FOI) exam at the DGAC to be able to opt for a ground instructor rating and cancel the right to issue the certificate. qualification.
i) To opt for an additional RPAS type rating (Multirotor or fixed wing) and a classification (micro, small, light or large), the corresponding RPAS skill exam must be taken and the fee for said rating must be paid; If the applicant has a Large Multirotor RPAS on their certificate of suitability, they will be able to fly light, small and micro Multirotor RPAS without the need to perform skills tests. This applies equally to Large fixed wing RPAS.
Once the above has been completed, the DGAC Licensing Unit will issue the Certificate of Suitability, specifying the rating (multirotor, fixed wing or Ground Instructor) and classification (micro, small, light or large) of the type(s) of RPAS authorized to be used to fly.
For operational safety purposes, a chief, technical manager or any RPAS pilot may not work simultaneously in more than 3 companies.
To carry out operations with Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) in commercial activities, it is required to obtain an operational certificate (CO), in accordance with the provisions of RAC 119 (Regulation of Operational Certificates and Operation Authorizations), as applicable, and a operating certificate in accordance with the provisions of the General Civil Aviation Law, the specific requirements of the Air Transport Department and the payment requirements in accordance with the Tariff Appendix and/or its modifications.
The operator or owner must submit the formal application (Appendix A1) to undergo the certification process. The application must contain: a) The qualities of the operator or owner, of the aircraft that will be used in the operation and of the pilots who carry it out, as well as the conditions under which each of them accredits the requirements applicable in accordance with section 6.1.3.
b) The description of the technical characteristics (Appendix D) of the aircraft, including the definition of their configuration, characteristics and performance.
c) The type of aerial work to be carried out, as well as the characteristics of the operation.
d) The conditions or limitations that will be applied to the operation to guarantee safety.
e) It must have a Responsible Manager of the company and a technical manager or manager who must have a Certificate of Suitability for RPAS and demonstrate knowledge of the General Civil Aviation Law, Costa Rican Aeronautical Regulations and the General Operations Manual, a person can assume both positions if they meet the applicable requirements. (RAC 119.65 f.) Together with the formal request, the operator must present a sworn statement in which it states, under its commitment, that it complies with each of the required requirements in accordance with the provisions of this directive for the performance of the activities, that it has the documentation that This accredits it and that it must maintain compliance with said requirements in the period of time inherent in carrying out the activity. In addition to this sworn declaration, the operator or owner must present or comply with the request of section 6.1 Side d) from paragraph 1 to 13.
If the operator or owner meets the requirements, the DGAC will issue an RPAS Operator Certificate, with the respective Operation Specifications and Limitations as established in the General Civil Aviation Law of Costa Rica number 5150 and RAC 119. Any modification to the formal request must be communicated to the DGAC at least 5 days in advance of implementing the modification, in the format established in Appendix A1, presenting an updated responsible declaration and, where applicable, the complementary supporting documentation provided in this section.
To carry out aerial activities with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), in accordance with section 6.1.2, a Formal Application for Operation Authorization must be submitted to the DGAC in accordance with Appendix A2.
a) The qualities of the operator or owner, of the aircraft that will be used in the operation and of the pilots who carry it out, as well as the conditions under which each of them accredits the requirements applicable in accordance with section 6.1.3.
b) The description of the technical characteristics (Appendix D) of the aircraft, including the definition of their configuration, characteristics and performance.
c) The type of aerial work to be carried out, as well as the characteristics of the operation.
d) The conditions or limitations that will be applied to the operation to guarantee safety. Together with the formal request, the operator must present a sworn statement in which it states, under its commitment that it complies with each of the applicable requirements in accordance with the provisions of this directive for the performance of the activities, that it has the documentation that This accredits it and that it must maintain compliance with said requirements in the period of time inherent in carrying out the activity. In addition to this sworn statement, the operator or owner must present or comply with the request of section 6.1 Literal d), numerals 1., 3., 5., 6., 7., 8., 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and, in addition, establish a security zone in relation to the flight area, as applicable.
The General Directorate of Civil Aviation must review the documentation presented and if the operator or owner meets the requirements, the DGAC must issue an Operation Authorization for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) within a period of no more than 30 business days. including the Conditions and Limitations of Operation (Appendix B2) which establishes the Date, time(s) and place as well as the type of operation among other obligations.
Any modification to the formal request must be communicated to the DGAC at least 15 business days in advance of implementing the modification, in the format established in Appendix A2, presenting an updated responsible declaration and, where applicable, complementary supporting documentation. provided in this section.
Operators authorized in accordance with the provisions of this provision for the exercise of the aerial activities referred to in section 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 may carry out, under their responsibility, flights that do not comply with the conditions and limitations provided for in the sections 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 in situations of serious risk, catastrophe or public calamity, as well as for the protection and relief of people and property in cases where such situations occur, when required by the authorities responsible for the management of such situations, however they must present a report on these events.
The DGAC may establish the acceptable means of compliance whose observance accredits compliance with the requirements established in this provision.
The operator or owner of an unmanned aircraft must establish maintenance procedures for their aircraft within the structure of the Operations manual (see Appendix E).
RPAS unmanned aircraft with MTOW greater than 25 kg should not be operated unless they are inspected and maintained in accordance with the maintenance procedures developed in the Operator’s Operations Manual, which must have been accepted by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation.
The operator or owner of an RPAS unmanned aircraft with MTOW greater than 25 Kg must establish and maintain a maintenance record or log in which all information regarding maintenance services, part changes and software updates is kept.
The absence of records or poor execution of maintenance will be considered a breach of Operational Safety and it will be the power of the DGAC to initiate the applicable corrective measures in accordance with the applicable national aviation legislation.
The application of this requirement for RPAS whose MTOW is equal to or less than 25 Kg is optional to the operator, understanding that the maintenance and therefore the Operational Safety of his equipment is his total responsibility.
The RPA must, while the RPS may, have type design approval for international operations. The RPA shall have a type design approval in the form of a type certificate (TC) which would be issued to an RPA CT holder when it has demonstrated, and the State of design has confirmed, compliance with a certification basis of appropriate and agreed type. This certification basis would include applicable requirements adopted or adapted from traditional manned aircraft in all appropriate sectors of design and construction, for example, structures and materials, electrical and mechanical systems, propulsion and fuel systems, and flight testing. The distributed nature of RPAS also requires that the scope of design approval be expanded from the RPA itself to include RPSs (possibly of various types), C2 links, as appropriate, and any other system components to enable safe completion of the flight.
a) A person must not operate an unmanned aircraft in or over a prohibited zone, or in or over a restricted area (stipulated in the AIP), except with the permission of, and in accordance with the conditions established by the DGAC.
a) A person must not operate an unmanned aircraft above 120 meters (400 feet) AGL in controlled airspace, except: b) In an area approved as an area for the operation of unmanned aircraft of the same nature as the aircraft, and in accordance with the conditions of the approval, or c) In accordance with an air traffic control authorization.
a) When requested by the DGAC or its designees, any person operating an unmanned aircraft under this Directive must allow inspection of the aircraft and its manuals and/or documents to determine compliance and applicability of this Operational Directive.
b) When requested by the DGAC, the operator or owner of an aircraft must provide satisfactory evidence that the aircraft is subject to the provisions of this Operational Directive.
b) The communication of the accident/incident must be delivered to the DGAC within a maximum of seventy-two (72) hours after the event.
c) Notification and reporting of serious accidents/incidents must be carried out as established in RAC-13, as applicable.
d) The DGAC must be in charge of carrying out any investigation of accidents and incidents with unmanned aircraft.
e) The holder of an Unmanned Aircraft Operator certificate must establish a notification system for events or occurrences that may endanger operational safety.
Article 13.2 of the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights establishes as legitimate to determine a limitation on the right of access to information the protection of the rights or reputation of others, national security, public order; and public health or morals.
Considering that the national legislation relating to the processing of personal data aims to guarantee respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly the right to respect for private life, in relation to cases that constitute an illegitimate interference in the right to one’s own image. , among which the capture, reproduction or publication by photography, film or any other procedure, of the image of a person in places or moments of their private life or outside. The provisions for this purpose by the Constitutional Chamber stand out, which has referred to this in the following way:
“Only by legitimate norms at a constitutional level or with the rank of law in accordance with the principles that guide a democratic society, exceptions to access to information will be regulated in a limited manner and whenever they are necessary for the protection of national security and/or the legitimate right of the individual to privacy. Secret information cannot be kept covered by unpublished standards… It is unacceptable that under a broad and imprecise concept of national security the secrecy of information is maintained. Restrictions for reasons of national security will only be valid when they are aimed at protecting the territorial integrity of the country and in exceptional situations of extreme violence that represent a real and imminent danger of collapse of the democratic order. A restriction on the basis of national security is not legitimate if its purpose is to protect the interests of the government and not of society as a whole. The laws of Privacy should not inhibit or restrict the investigation and dissemination of information of public interest…”
Therefore, for companies that have an operating certificate and a CO Operating Certificate, in the event of a complaint filed for the capture and dissemination of images, the DGAC must be in charge of carrying out any technical investigation of the capture and/or dissemination of images without consent. .
For these purposes, the DGAC, through the Aeronautical Operations Unit, must carry out a preliminary investigation for this purpose where the pertinent evidence must be collected and an administrative file must be created for this purpose.
In this same sense, the inspector will proceed to submit a report to CETAC recommending the opening of an administrative procedure to cancel the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) operating certificate in accordance with article 13 et seq. of the General Civil Aviation Law. .
In the event of a complaint for the capture and dissemination of an inappropriate video or photograph, the DGAC cannot be responsible for its use or dissemination in the private sphere and in the absence of public interest in dissemination. However, the complainant may request the cancellation of the exploitation certificate without undermining the legal actions that he or she may take in court.
This modification of the Operational Directive, DO-002-OPS-RPAS Edition 4, is approved in San José, at 3:00 p.m. on August 8, 2023.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
2024 – EHang´s EH216-S Pilotless eVTOL Successfully Completed Its Debut Flight in Latin America
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 in the town of La Fortuna, 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!
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.
