100 North Macedonia
A yellow sun (the Sun of Liberty) with eight broadening rays extending to the edges of the red field. The red and yellow colors have long been associated with Macedonia.
Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Mount Korab, the highest mountain in North Macedonia.
Last updated on April 18, 2024
Government
According to Britannica, the 1991 constitution of the newly independent republic established a republican assembly, called the Sobranie, consisting of a single chamber of 120 seats. There is an explicit separation of powers between the legislature, the judiciary, and the executive. The prime minister and cabinet ministers, for example, do not have seats in the assembly. The executive, under the prime minister, is the most powerful branch, with the legislature and judiciary acting principally as checks and balances to the government’s activity. The president, who is elected to a five-year term, serves principally as a symbolic head of state and is the commander in chief of the armed forces; a president may serve no more than two terms. In 2001 the constitution was amended to include a number of provisions aimed at protecting the rights of the Albanian minority.
The republic is divided into 80 opštini (municipalities), to which are delegated many important social, judicial, and economic functions.
The legal system of North Macedonia is grounded in civil law. The judicial branch comprises basic and appellate courts, the Supreme Court, the Republican Judicial Council, and the Constitutional Court. The judges of the Constitutional Court are elected by the Sobranie.
Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)
The Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) is organized as an aviation authority of the Republic of North Macedonia and its organizational structure provides efficient and timely execution of the safety regulatory functions described in ICAO Annex 19 and Doc.9734 (Safety Oversight System) as well as the other functions related to security oversight, economic oversight, air traffic rights etc. The main bodies of the CAA are the Management Board and the Director General. The Management Board is appointed by the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia. The Director General is appointed by the Management Board.
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. North Macedonia AIP
Drone Regulations
In accordance with paragraph (2) of Article 17 of the Aviation Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 14/06, 24/07, 103/08 67/10, 24/12, 80/12, 155/12, 42/14, 97/15, 152/15, 27/16, 31/16 and 64/18), at the session held on ________, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia endorsed the following
REGULATION FOR AMENDING THE REGULATION FOR THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER WHICH UNMANNED AIRCRAFT CAN OPERATE IN THE MACEDONIAN AIRSPACE
Article 1
In the Regulation that stipulates the requirement under which unmanned aircraft can operate in the Macedonian airspace (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 187/17)
Article 2 is amended as follows:
“(1) This Regulation applies to civilian unmanned aircraft operating commercial and uncommercial activities with:
– maximum take-off weight (MTOW) more than 0,5 kg,
– maximum speed more than 19 m/s,
(2) This Regulation shall not apply to all unmanned aircraft not listed in paragraph (1) of this Article, state unmanned aircraft, aviation models and to the operation of unmanned aircraft indoor without people present.”
Article 2
In Article 3 point 16 word: “Record” is amended with: “Registration”.
Article 3
Article 5 is amended as follows:
(1) According to the maximum take – off weight (MTOW), the unmanned aircraft are classified into 5 categories, as follows:
1) Category 1 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW less than 0.5kg;
2) Category 2 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW 0.5 kg to 5 kg;
3) Category 3 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW from 5 kg to 20 kg;
4) Category 4 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW from 20 kg to 150 kg;
5) Category 5 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW more than 150 kg.”
Article 4
In Article 6 point c) word: “recorded/” is deleted.
Article 5
Article 7 is amended as follows:
(1) Unmanned aircraft operated for commercial and own purposes are entered in the Aircraft Registry of the Civil Aviation Agency (hereinafter: the Agency) and shall be marked with a registration mark for which Agency issues a Certificate of Registration.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), unmanned aircraft Class 2, 3 and 4 or with a maximum speed higher that 19 m/3 are entered in the Aircraft Registry of unmanned aircraft.
(3) The marking of unmanned aircraft is performed in accordance to Regulation on method and place of marking of the aircraft, registered in Republic of Macedonia with aircraft nationality marks, registration marks and other marks.”
Article 6
In Article 8 after paragraph (2) new paragraph (3) is added as follows:
“(3) Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Article, the requirements for construction and airworthiness referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article and the maintenance requirements referred to in paragraph (2) of this Article shall not apply to unmanned aircraft of classes 1, 2, 3 and 4.”
Article 7
In Article 11 paragraph (2) is amended as follows:
“The Agency may issue validation of a foreign permit or other appropriate qualification document for operation with unmanned aircraft for no more than 2 times for a maximum of 6 months if the candidate who holds that license or document successfully pass exam on subject Rules and procedures on flight with unmanned aircraft organized by the Agency.”.
Article 8
In Article 16 paragraph (1) point 2 is amended as follows:
“- to have at least one registered unmanned aircraft which holds the Certificate of Registration, and”.
Article 9
In article 19 paragraph (1) is amended as follows:
“Activities of an unmanned aircraft that is not registered in the Agency and/or pilot of unmanned aircraft without a license issued by the Agency may be performed only at sports airports or airfields after prior coordination with the airport or airline operator, on registered airfield/terrain for unmanned aircraft or in the frame of Area I.”
In paragraph (2) words: “1 km around” is replaced with the words: “500m from the referent point”.
After the paragraph (2) a new paragraph (3) is inserted as follows:
“(3) In Area I or on the registered airfield/terrain for unmanned aircraft, a flight on maximum height of 50m over the ground surface is permitted.”
Article 10
In Article 20 after paragraph (4) a new paragraph (5) is inserted as follows:
“(5) It is necessary for foreign operators of unmanned aircraft in respect of usage of active screening equipment to receive an approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Defense.”
Article 11
In Article 21 paragraph (b) is deleted.
Article 12
In Article 31 line 2 the words: “record or” are deleted.
Article 13
In Article 34 paragraph (2) in line 3 word: “record” is replaced with:” register.”
Article 14
After Article 34 a new Article 34-а is inserted as follows:
“Article 34-а
(1) The provisions in articles 6 paragraphs а), d) и e), 9, 10, 11 paragraphs (1) и (3), 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 paragraph (1) line 1 and 3 and paragraph (2) and 31 line 1 and 3 from the Regulation for the requirements under which unmanned aircraft can operate in the Macedonian airspace (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 187/17) are not going to apply on the day of the entering into force of this Regulation until 31 March 2019.
(2) Provisions from Article 7 amending the Article 11(2) and Article 8 amending Article 16(1)2 of this Regulation will enter into force from 1 April 2019.“
Article 15
This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia.
In accordance with paragraph (2) of Article 17 of the Aviation Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 14/06, 24/07, 103/08 67/10, 24/12, 80/12, 155/12, 42/14, 97/15, 152/15, 27/16, 31/16), at the session held on ________, the Government of the Republic of Macedonia endorsed the following
REGULATION FOR THE REQUIREMENTS UNDER WHICH UNMANNED AIRCRAFT CAN OPERATE IN THE
MACEDONIAN AIRSPACE
I. GENERAL PROVISIONS
Article 1
The Regulation stipulates the specific requirement under which unmanned aircraft can operate in the Macedonian airspace.
Article 2
(1) This Regulation applies to civilian unmanned aircraft operating commercial and uncommercial activities with:
– maximum take-off weight (MTOW) more than 0,5 kg,
– maximum speed more than 20 m/s,
– maximum reaching distance more than 15m and
– maximum height of more than 15 m.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this Article, this Regulation shall apply to all unmanned aircraft if used indoor in which a public event takes place (concert, competition, gathering, etc.).
(3) This Regulation shall not apply to state unmanned aircraft and to aviation models.
Article 3
Certain terms used in this Regulation shall have the following meaning:
1. Allocated airspace means a portion of the airspace where unmanned aircraft may operate for commercial or own purposes and the flight is suitably announce in reference to the provisions from this Regulation.
2. Unmanned aircraft means an aircraft intended for operations without crew, operated remotely or programmed and is autonomous.
3. Controlled autonomous flight of unmanned aircraft means an autonomous flight with a pre-determined route, and the pilot of the unmanned aircraft at all times can take control over it.
4. Partially controlled autonomous flight of unmanned aircraft means an autonomous flight with a pre-determined route, and the pilot of the unmanned aircraft at all times cannot take control over it.
5. Part of Appliance means any instrument, equipment, mechanism, part, computer program or accessories, including communication equipment used or intended for use during operation or control of an aircraft in flight and is installed or attached to the aircraft,
6. Unmanned Aircraft System means the unmanned aircraft with all accompanying devices and items required to carry out the flight task including the remote-control station,
7. Model Aircraft means unmanned aircraft intended for recreation and sport that cannot be used for commercial operations and by which all operations are performed within the visual line of the field of vision exclusively at a sports airport or airfield,
8. Operator of unmanned aircraft means legal or physical person operating the system of unmanned aircraft,
9. Pilot of unmanned aircraft means a person who programs the system, manages the unmanned aircraft system, has direct control over the unmanned aircraft while it is in the field of vision of the person and out of it and is responsible for his flight. In case when operating an unmanned aircraft beside the pilot it is necessary to engage other persons, the person responsible for the flight is pilot who operates with the flight control commands,
10. Remote Control Station means appliance or device (usually on the ground) from which unmanned aircraft may be remotely controlled during all stages of flight,
11. Visual line of the field of vision means a direct visual contact of the unmanned aircraft pilot with the aircraft, without using external optical or electronic devices, during which the means of sight correction (eyeglasses or contact lenses) are not considered as external devices,
12. Extended operations on a visual line of the field of vision means operations over 500 meters horizontally and 120 meters vertically, where the unmanned aircraft operator can operate the aircraft while maintaining direct contact of the unmanned aircraft,
13. Operations out of the visual line of the field of vision means unmanned aerial operations where an unmanned aircraft operator can operate the aircraft without having a direct visual contact with it and is able to avoid other users of the airspace with devices for avoidance of a collision and on the basis of the instructions of the flight control,
14. Operational mass of unmanned aircraft means the total mass of the unmanned aircraft ready for use including all systems of devices and items installed on it,
15. Maximum take – off weight means the maximum weight of the unmanned aircraft including all systems, devices and objects installed on it (operational mass) and the load that can be taken -off,
16. Record mark of the unmanned aircraft means a designation issued by the Civil Aviation Agency in accordance with the Rulebook on the manner and place of marking of aircraft registered and recorded in the Republic of Macedonia with the designation of state affiliation, the record marks and other markings,
17. Operational personnel of unmanned aircraft are persons who perform aviation – technical and operational preparation of the unmanned aircraft
18. Congested area means in relation to a city, town or settlement, any area which is substantially used for residential, commercial or recreational purposes
19. Unmanned aircraft flight area is portion of an airspace in which unmanned aircraft is flying, which is located above:
(5) undeveloped and uninhabited areas where there are no people, other than the person operating the unmanned aircraft (area I);
(2) constructed, or uninhabited areas where there are buildings not intended for human habitation, with a possibility of retaining people for a short period of time (area II).
(3) residential area, where there are buildings designed for permanent and longer residing of people (area III);
(4) densely populated area, urban or a city center, as well as any area where a large number of people may gather (area IV);
20. Airport reference point means a particular geographical position of the airport, expressed in degrees, minutes and seconds of latitude and longitude, having as a reference geodetic system the World Geodetic System – 1984 (WGS-84);
21. CTR – controlled traffic region means a part of an airspace within a radius of 5NM from the referent point at the airport (Alexander the Great Airport – Skopje extended to 8.5NM in the direction south-east along a longitudinal axis of the runway in direction 1.7)
Article 4
According to their purpose, the unmanned aircraft are classified as:
1) unmanned aircraft operated for commercial purposes and/or own purposes;
2) unmanned aircraft operated for aviation -sport purposes and recreation.
Article 5
(1) According to the maximum take – off weight and performance unmanned aircraft are classified into 5 categories, as follows:
1) Category 1 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW less than 0.5kg, maximum speed up to 30 m/s and maximum range of 100 m;
2) Category 2 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW 0.5 kg to 5 kg, with a maximum speed up to 30 m/s and maximum range of up to 2,500 m;
3) Category 3 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW from 5 kg to 20 kg, with a maximum flight speed of up to 55 m/s and maximum range of up to 2,500 m;
4) Category 4 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW from 20 kg to 150 kg, without limitations as regards height, flight speed and long range;
5) Category 5 – includes an unmanned aircraft with MTOW more than 150 kg, without limitations as regards height, flight speed and long range;
(2) If any unmanned aircraft in respect of MTOW or other performance (flight altitude, speed and range), an unmanned aircraft belongs to different category of an unmanned aircraft it shall be considered belonging to a higher category aircraft.
2. REQUIREMENTS FOR UNMANNED AIRCRAFT TO OPERATE IN MACEDONIAN AIRSPACE
Article 6
An unmanned aircraft can operate in Macedonian airspace if the following requirements are met:
a) The unmanned aircraft operator holds an authorization for commercial operations or an authorization for operations for own purposes with unmanned aircraft in accordance with the requirements laid down in this Regulation,
b) The flight operations are be performed in accordance with the requirements and manner laid down in this Regulation,
c) Unmanned aircraft is recorded/registered, marked, built, airworthy, maintained and insured in accordance with the requirements prescribed in this Regulation,
d) The pilot of the unmanned aircraft has an appropriate operating permit issued and obtained in accordance with the requirements and manner determined in this Regulation,
e) The pilot of the unmanned aircraft is trained in authorized training organizations or training centers that meet the requirements laid down in this Regulation and,
f) Unmanned aircraft Class 5 must hold collision avoidance systems (ACAS / TCAS).
Article 7
(1) All unmanned aircraft operated for commercial or own purposes are entered in the Aircraft Book of Records of the Civil Aviation Agency (hereinafter: the Agency) and shall be marked with a record mark for which Agency issues a Certificate of Records.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), unmanned aircraft Class 5 are entered in the Register of aircrafts held by the Agency and is marked with a record mark and the Agency issues them a Certificate of registration.
(3) The entrance records or in the Aircraft Register is carried out in the manner prescribed in the Regulation on the form, content, record keeping and the procedure for issuing and modification of the Certificate of Registration and/or Regulation on the manner of keeping data of the aircraft which are not under ICAO standards and amateur constructed aircraft.
(4) In addition to the certificate of records, a user manual and maintenance manual issued by the manufacturer shall be submitted.
(5) The marking is performed in accordance to Regulation on method and place of marking of the aircraft, registered in Republic of Macedonia with aircraft nationality marks, registration marks and other marks
Article 8
(1) Unmanned aircraft operated for commercial or own purposes shall met the requirements set in the Regulation on specific requirements for design, construction and modifications of aircraft, engine, propeller and equipment, technical control of construction and development of technical and technological documentation, type certification, procedures and method for determination of aircraft airworthiness, as well as form, content, record and procedure for issuing, renewal, reissuing and modification of the production certificate, type certificate, airworthiness certificate, noise certificate and gas emissions certificate.
(2) Unmanned aircraft must be maintained in accordance with Regulation on maintenance methodology and maintenance technical control of aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller and equipment, development of technical and technological documentation regarding the maintenance and special requirements in respect of required staff, equipment and other special requirements necessary for safe and regular operation, as well as form, content, record and procedure for issuing,
renewal, reissuing and modification of the maintenance certificate.
Article 9
Unmanned aircraft operated in Area II, III and IV shall be insured in accordance with the provisions from the Law on Contractual and Real Right Relations in Respect of the Aviation Transport. Third party insurance on ground is mandatory for all commercial and own purpose operations.
Article 10
(5) In order to operate unmanned aircraft, pilots must be appropriately trained in authorized organizations or training centers for unmanned aircraft pilots that must meet the following special requirements to:
– be entered in a central register,
– have adequate premises and equipment for performing the training,
– have aircraft for training,
– have a book / register for training and personal files of the candidates,
– have a suitable place for keeping personal files of the candidates,
– have authorized teachers / instructors and
– have an approved training program by the Agency.
(2) The following documents shall be submitted with the application for obtaining a certificate for training pilots on unmanned aircraft: decision for registration in the Central Registry, internal organization, list of experts acceptable by the Agency and contract for their engagement, list of managers, address from the premises for conducting the training, proof of ownership or contract for their use, list of equipment for carrying out training, defined field of flight – practical training, a database of minimum 30 questions with four offered answers for each subject/topic that has been processed and payment of fees in accordance with Agency`s Tarif Regulation.
Article 11
(1) In order to operate an unmanned aircraft in the territory of the Republic of Macedonia, in Area II, III and IV pilots of unmanned aircraft shall hold an appropriate permit issued by the Agency upon their request.
(2) The Agency may issue appropriate validation of a foreign permit or other appropriate qualification document for operation with unmanned aircraft for no more than 2 times for a maximum of 6 months if the requirements for its acquisition satisfy the minimum requirements of this Regulation.
(3) For unmanned aircraft above 150 kg, pilots shall pose evidence that they are competent for flight in controlled airspace and evidence that the pilot has successfully completed an unmanned aircraft management training acceptable to the Agency.
Article 12
In order to obtain a pilot license for unmanned aircraft, the following person may take the exam:
– the one that holds a certificate of completion of theoretical and practical training in an approved organization or school center in accordance with a prescribed pilot training program for a pilot of unmanned aircraft approved by the Agency,
– to have a minimum of 18 years and
– to have evidence of medical fitness, a medical certificate issued in accordance with the aviation personnel regulations or a medical certificate for a driver’s license or a certificate from occupational health medical practitioner.
Article 13
(1) A candidate who meets the requirements for obtaining a pilot license for unmanned aircraft shall submit a written request to the Agency for taking the theoretical and practical part of the exam.
(2) Within 30 days from the receipt of the request for examination of knowledge, the Agency shall enact a decision approving the examination and determined date and place of implementation thereof, in that it must be performed no later than two months from the date of submission the request.
Article 14
(1) The theoretical part of the exam is performed by the Agency.
(2) The practical part of the exam is performed by a person (examiner) from the list of aviation experts.
Article 15
(1) Candidates who take exam for pilots on unmanned aircraft shall take the theoretical part of the exam according to the base of questions prepared by the Agency.
(2) The theoretical exam is successfully passed if it is estimated to contain at least 75% correct answers.
(3) The examiner shall, within seven days from the end of the examination, submit a report to the Agency together with the test material and an exam sheet.
(4) The applicant who fails to pass the exam shall have the right to a corrected examination within a deadline determined by the Agency and which may not be shorter than 30 days nor longer than 60 days from the date of the submission of the report for the conducted exam. If the test is not conducted within 60 days or the candidate does not pass successfully the repeated examination, he will have to provide evidence of refresh training.
(5) An applicant who has passed the theoretical and practical examination of the knowledge shall be issued a pilot license for an unmanned aircraft.
(6) The license shall contain:
– Name surname;
– Personal identification number;
– Address of residence;
– Personal photograph of the holder; and
– Data on acquired ratings and authorizations.
Article 16
(5) Unmanned aircraft may be used in commercial and own purpose operations if the operator has an authorization from the Agency and meets the following conditions:
– if it is a legal entity registered in a central register, i.e. physical entity should submit proof of non-conviction,
– to have at least one unmanned aircraft registered in the record/registration of aircraft held by the Agency for which it holds the Certificate of Records/Registration, and
– the person who will operate an unmanned aircraft to hold appropriate license for it.
(2) For the issuance of the authorization for commercial operations and / or for own purposes with unmanned aircraft referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article, legal and physical entities shall submit a request to the Agency together with the Decision for registration in the Central Register, proof of non-conviction, a list of pilots on unmanned aircraft and a contract for their engagement, address of the residence i.e. the place of residence of physical entities , proof of ownership of unmanned aircraft or agreement for their use, payment of fees according to the Agency Tariff Regulation and
the Operational Manual, which will include:
– Management structure, internal organization,
– List of pilots on unmanned aircraft,
– List of unmanned aircraft with its technical characteristics,
– Description of planned activities and
– Statement that they are familiar with the regulations of this Regulation and that the operations will be performed within the approved Operational Manual.
Article 17
The flight area permitted for operation of unmanned aircraft are divided into:
(5) Area I – Undeveloped and uninhabited areas where there are no people, other than the person operating the unmanned aircraft;
(2) Area II – Constructed, or uninhabited areas where there are buildings not intended for human habitation, with a possibility of retaining people for a short period of time.
(3) Area III – Residential area, where there are buildings designed for permanent and longer residing of people;
(4) Area IV – Densely populated area, urban or a city center, as well as any area where a large number of people may gather;
Article 18
The aircraft operator shall announce the planned activities in the Agency at least 24 hours prior to the start of the operation, where they will clearly be specified:
– place and time of commencement and completion of the operations,
– the radius of performing the operations marked on the appropriate sketch,
– maximum height of operations,
– name of the legal entity or name and surname of the person and number of the authorization by the Agency,
– name and surname of the pilot of the unmanned aircraft and license number,
– a contact telephone to which the Agency and / or the appropriate air traffic control will be able to issue an immediate and urgent order for grounding of the aircraft they assess that air traffic safety may be jeopardized.
Article 19
(1) Activities of an unmanned aircraft that is not recorded / registered in the Agency and / or pilot of. unmanned aircraft without a license from the Agency shall be permitted only at sports airports or airfields after prior coordination with the airport or airline operator.
(2) In the area of sports airports and airfields, unmanned aircraft are permitted to operate up to 1000ft (300m) above the ground and within radius of 1km around the airport only with the approval of the aerodrome / airfield operator and prior announcement to the flight control of the unmanned aircraft activities.
Article 20
(1) Civilian foreign unmanned aircraft may enter the territory of the Republic of Macedonia for the purpose of landing or overflight, in accordance with the requirements prescribed in the Aviation Act and in the Regulation on special conditions, the manner and procedure for obtaining a flying permit.
(2) Civilian foreign unmanned aircraft while performing operations on the territory of the Republic of Macedonia shall comply with the flight requirements prescribed in Articles 9, 18, 19(2), and the requirement of Articles 21 to 33 of this Regulation.
(3) During taking off and landing from airports as well as at all stages of the flight, aircraft with crew shall take precedence over unmanned aircraft for civilian purposes.
(4) The pilot of unmanned aircraft, during the flight in the Republic of Macedonia airspace or during taking off and landing in the Republic of Macedonia from international airports, shall compulsorily maintain radio communication with the competent air traffic control.
Article 21
(1) Within the visual line of the visual field, an unmanned aircraft may operate at a maximum distance of 500 meters horizontally and 100 meters vertically from the ground surface.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this Article, the maximum distance may be more than 500 meters horizontally for unmanned aircraft Class 4 and 5 of Article 5 of this Regulation, while being in the visual line of the visual field of the unmanned aircraft operator, i.e. extended operations on the visual line of the visual field, whereby the unmanned aircraft operator shall submit to the competent. air traffic control during the announcement of the flight:
– Flight rules (IFR / VFR),
– Procedures for avoiding obstacles and collisions,
– Aircraft dimensions,
– Color and marking of aircraft,
– Means for observation of aircraft,
– Meteorological conditions and visibility and cloudiness
– Operating restrictions – the appropriate radio equipment for effective control of the unmanned aircraft at all time.
(3) Unmanned civilian aircraft intended for operations outside the visual line of the pilot’s visual field should have approved method by the competent flight control for separation and avoidance in the. airspace between two aircraft.
(4) The minima of separation and avoidance in the airspace between the two aircraft of this Article shall not be less than those prescribed in the Rules of the Air and the ICAO Document 4444 (PANS ATM).
(5) An unmanned aircraft operator shall hold an approval for the use of radio frequencies in accordance with the regulations in the field of electronic communications.
(6) The provisions of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) of this Article shall apply to unmanned aircraft operating in controlled airspace.
Article 22
(1) Any event related to the flight of an unmanned aircraft that has endangered or could endanger the safety of air traffic, as well as the security of property and persons, shall be reported in accordance with the Regulation on principles governing the accident, serious incidents, incident and occurrences investigation of civil and state aircraft, as well as their reporting, by the aircraft operator.
(2) The principles underlying the investigation of accidents, serious incidents, incidents and events of unmanned civil aircraft are determined by a decree from paragraph (1) of this Article.
(3) The airport operator at international airports approves operations performed by an unmanned civilian aircraft and they should be in accordance with the Manual for the use and maintenance of the airport from which the operations are performed.
(4) The unmanned aircraft operator shall be familiar with the procedures of the Manual for the use. and maintenance of the international traffic airport from which unmanned operations are carried out and to be provided in the Operating Manual.
(5) When taking off and landing of an unmanned aircraft from sports airports, airfields and terrains, the unmanned aircraft operator shall comply with the provisions of the Regulation on aviation safety requirements in respect of use of terrain and procedure and requirements for airfield maintenance.
Article 23
A pilot of unmanned aircraft is responsible for detecting and avoiding potential collisions and other hazards, according to point 5.2 of ICAO Circular 328.
Article 24
Authorized Air Traffic Control (ATC) should be informed that the unmanned aircraft is remotely piloted pre-flight.
Article 25
(1) An unmanned aircraft cannot directly over fly or fly at a distance of least 100 meters away from security significance objects, the state entity objects, such as:
– the facilities of the Ministry of Defense and the Army of the Republic of Macedonia,
– the facilities of the Ministry of Internal Affairs
– the Government of the Republic of Macedonia,
– the Assembly of the Republic of Macedonia,
– the residence of the President of the State,
– diplomatic missions,
– power plants, electrical high voltage installations, water storage and water treatment systems, penitentiary facilities and so on.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this Article, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Defense may determine a greater distance of 100 meters due to the purpose for security and protection of material goods and human health.
(3) The operations of unmanned aircraft referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article may be carried out only with the prior approval by the Agency upon prior approval from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and/or the Ministry of Defense and in accordance with the procedures and requirements laid down in the Operational Manual for operation of an unmanned aircraft, approved by the Agency.
(4) An unmanned aircraft cannot directly over fly or fly at a distance of least 50 meters away from people on open or closed area.
Article 26
(1) It is strictly forbidden to operate unmanned civil aircraft in the area of airspace that is located in the Controlled Zone – CTR, except with the special approval of the Agency and the Air Navigation Service Provider.
(2) The approval referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article shall be issued at the request of the operator of the unmanned aircraft.
Article 27
(1) Operations of unmanned aircraft cannot be performed:
– under 30 meters distance from a ship, vehicle or infrastructure,
– in the airport zone without the approval of the authorized air traffic control and airport operator; and
– within a radius of less than 3km from the borderland.
(2) Operations of unmanned aircraft referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article may be performed only with the prior approval of the Agency.
(3) Unmanned aircraft cannot operate towards persons, animals and gathering.
(4) It is not permitted to transport of people, animals, dangerous goods or any cargo with an unmanned aircraft.
(5) It is not permitted to operate an unmanned aircraft from an object in motion.
(6) It is not permitted to manage multiple unmanned aircraft at the same time by one pilot of unmanned aircraft.
(7) It is not permitted to throw any items from an unmanned aircraft.
(8) An unmanned aircraft cannot operate in controlled aerodrome and terminal zone at the airport and operate 11,000 feet above sea level if it is not equipped with an identification device – a transponder and an approval from the authorized air traffic control.
Article 28
(1) Unmanned aircraft can operate only during the day.
(2) Operating of unmanned aircraft during night is permitted only for operators authorized for commercial operation and / or their own purposes and with the special approval of the Agency.
Article 29
(1) Only an adult may operate an unmanned aircraft.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of this Article, a person operating an unmanned aircraft Class 1 may also be a minor if, during the unmanned aircraft operation, is under the direct supervision of an adult.
(3) A minor may operate an unmanned aircraft of a higher class only under the direct supervision of an adult at a sports airport or airfield in accordance with the requirements of Article 19 of this Regulation.
Article 30
A pilot of unmanned aircraft should:
– operate the unmanned aircraft in a way that does not jeopardize public order and peace, other persons and items on the ground, and avoid other aircraft with and without crew,
– ensure that the flight of unmanned aircraft takes place entirely in the allocated airspace,
– before the flight to guarantee the functionality of the unmanned aircraft system, and
– not be under the influence of alcohol, or psychoactive substances, nor in a psychophysical state that prevents the safe management of the unmanned aircraft.
Article 31
During an unmanned aircraft operation, the person managing the aircraft shall be obliged, in addition to the manufacturer manual for the use of the aircraft, to have the following documents:
– Original or notarized certified copy of the authorization for commercial or personal operation issued by the Agency,
– Evidence of the record or registration of the unmanned aircraft
– Appropriate license and authorization of the pilot for operating unmanned aircraft.
Article 32
(1) The unmanned aircraft operator should develop procedures that will form part of the Operational Manual in case of difficult operation of an unmanned aircraft, loss of connection with an unmanned aircraft, and it is mandatory to immediately notify the competent air traffic control and the Agency for the last position, height of the flight and other useful information of unmanned aircraft operations.
(2) In case referred to in paragraph (1) of this Article, when the operations take place at an airport, the pilot of the aircraft shall notify the airport operator thereof, and shall comply with the emergency plan of the aerodrome on which the operations are performed.
Article 33
(1) The transfer of responsibilities between different remote stations shall be carried out in a safe and consistent manner, which shall include the following elements:
– safe and permanent communication between pilots carrying out the handover,
– giving control,
– the exchange of relevant information, acceptance of control and
– Successful download confirmation.
(2) The exchange of information between pilots of unmanned aircraft (at the same location or at a remote location) shall be carried out in order that the pilot who takes control has the following data:
– flight mode,
– flight crew parameters and status of the aircraft,
– condition of unmanned aircraft in relation to the fuel system, drive group, communications and autopilot,
– position of the aircraft
– flight plan,
– NOTAM,
– weather conditions (meteorological conditions),
– the current departures from the competent air traffic control and frequency used, and
– position of the relevant mobile control station and its settings in order to ensure that the mobile control station accepting the unmanned aircraft is in accordance with the station provider.
(3) The pilot holding the control shall have the control over the control station until the transmission is completed.
(4) In case of unsuccessful transfer of unmanned control of the aircraft, the control pilot shall necessarily retain the parameters and follow the procedure prescribed in the Operating Manual for the operation of an unmanned aircraft.
Article 34
(1) The audit and control of the provisions of this Regulation shall be performed by the Agency and the Ministry of Internal Affairs in accordance with its regulations.
(2) The members of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in case they notice activity with unmanned civilian aircraft, shall legitimize the person who operates the unmanned aircraft and within 48 hours will submit to the Agency the following data:
– First and last name of the pilot of the unmanned aircraft
– Place and time of operation
– Type / Model and registration mark of the unmanned aircraft
Article 35
On the day of the commencement of the application of this Regulation, the Regulation on the requirements under which an unmanned aircraft can operate in the Macedonian airspace (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 13/15, 47/15) shall cease to be valid.
Article 36
This Regulation shall enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia, and shall start to apply from 01.01.2018.
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 Mount Korab in North Macedonia, 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.
