Blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Falkland Island coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag. The coat of arms contains a white ram (sheep raising was once the major economic activity) above the sailing ship Desire (whose crew discovered the islands) with a scroll at the bottom bearing the motto DESIRE THE RIGHT.

Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Google Earth

A Stanley shoreline view with a cruise ship in the background. Stanley is the only “city” on the islands (population about 2,100) and is the main shopping area.

Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Last updated on March 20, 2025

Government

According to Britannica, executive authority is vested in the British crown, and the islands’ government is headed by a governor appointed by the crown. As outlined in the Falkland Islands constitution (2009), the governor is advised by an Executive Council consisting of three of the elected members of the Legislative Assembly and two ex officio, nonvoting members (the chief executive and the director of finance). The governor presides over the Executive Council and must consult with it in the discharge of most of his or her duties but may, in certain circumstances, act against the advice of the council. The Legislative Assembly has 10 members, eight of whom are elected to four-year terms from two constituencies, while the other two, the same nonvoting members as on the Executive Council, are ex officio. Both the chief executive and the director of finance are appointed by the governor. There are no political parties, and all members of the legislature are elected as independents. The voting age is 18. The 2009 constitution provides the islands’ government with a greater degree of autonomy than the previous (1985) constitution, but the governor must consult with the regional commander of the British military on issues concerning defense and internal security.

Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department (FICAD)

The Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department (FICAD) is responsible for certain aspects of aviation regulatory oversight throughout the islands as designated by HE the Governor.  Their small team of qualified staff are dedicated to ensuring that they meet their obligations regarding aviation regulation as set out in the designation instrument issued by HE the Governor. Aviation in the Falkland Islands has a number of stakeholders, and it is important to understand the various roles that each has and where responsibilities rest.  It should be remembered at all times that all stakeholders should work within their remit towards continuous improvement in safety, and a more efficient and effective aviation sector. In the Falkland Islands regulation responsibility is designated by HE the Governor.  Currently, designations have been made locally, where they are competent to do so, in the Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) or otherwise with Air Safety Support International (ASSI – the United Kingdom’s CAA subsidiary for British Overseas Territories).  As competency to regulate additional designations is achieved they will be assigned to the DCA as a matter of policy.

ASSI has the responsibility of writing and maintaining both the enabling legislations (AN(OT)O – Air Navigation {Overseas Territories} Order) and the acceptable means of compliance with the Order (OTAR – Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements). It is important for the Regulator (each designation) to provide clear direction to industry on the AN(OT)O and the OTAR and to ensure, through an effective program of regulatory oversight, that the aviation industry operates in accordance with those instruments.

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.

Falkland Islands AIP

Drone Regulations

Drone Laws

ASSI – Legal requirements for the operation of small unmanned aircraft in the UK Overseas Territories

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Regulations & Policies

None found by the author.

However, should you, the reader, happen to stumble across something to the contrary, please email the author at FISHE5CA@erau.edu and you may be mentioned in the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS section of this book by way of thanks for contributing to this free eBook!

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) News

None found by the author.

However, should you, the reader, happen to stumble across something to the contrary, please email the author at FISHE5CA@erau.edu and you may be mentioned in the ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS section of this book by way of thanks for contributing to this free eBook!

Short Essay Questions