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 April 18, 2024

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.

Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)

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

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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 – Not found

Drone Regulations

Drone Laws

The popularity of drones (also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUAs) or Small Unmanned Surveillance Aircraft (SUSAs)) is growing; all around the world, owners are now being advised to pay more attention to safety issues.

The Falkland Islands are a UK Overseas Territory, this means that the legislation regarding the use of drones is laid down in Article 73 of the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2013.

People flying these unmanned aircraft should understand that they are subject to aviation rules and should not treat the devices as harmless gadgets or toys. Drones should not be flown within 50m of people, vehicles, vessels or buildings, and must not be flown within the boundary of airports or airfields. Whilst drones are only relatively small in size, they do pose a significant collision risk to other aircraft if they are not flown sensibly. If you are intending on flying your drone near Stanley Airport or Mount Pleasant Airport, please contact them beforehand. It is important that all aerial users are aware of drone activity.

The Falkland Islands Civil Aviation Department stresses that users must take personal responsibility when flying unmanned aircraft and abide by the rules. They have also published a number of documents to inform members of the public of the rules and laws concerning drone use within the Falkland Islands.

*Please note that there is a charge associated with the issuance of a Permission by the Director of Civil Aviation, this will either be GBP£52.00 per 3-month period or GBP£150.00 for 12 months.

ASSI

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

The requirements for the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) in the UK Overseas Territories are laid down in the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order. The main rules for their use are laid down in Article 73, however, Article 191 highlights the other articles that also apply to the use of small unmanned aircraft.

The following ASSI SUA Information Leaflets give details of the legal requirements for the use of SUAs, as well as guidance on various activities using SUAs.

ASSI SUA Information Leaflet No 1: Legal Requirements for SUAs (Issue 1, dated August 2022)

ASSI SUA Information Leaflet No 2: Operational Guidance for SUAs (Issue 1, dated August 2022)

ASSI SUA Information Leaflet No 3: Definitions and Glossary for SUAs (Issue 1, dated August 2022)

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

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