219 Seychelles
Five oblique bands of blue (hoist side), yellow, red, white, and green (bottom) radiating from the bottom of the hoist side. The oblique bands are meant to symbolize a dynamic new country moving into the future. Blue represents sky and sea, yellow the sun giving light and life, red the peoples’ determination to work for the future in unity and love, white social justice and harmony, and green the land and natural environment.
Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
View of Praslin, the second largest island of the Seychelles
Government
According to Britannica, under the 1993 constitution, since amended, Seychelles is a republic. The head of state and government is the president, who is directly elected by popular vote and may hold office for up to two consecutive five-year terms. Members of the National Assembly serve five-year terms. A majority of the available National Assembly seats are filled by direct election; a smaller portion are distributed on a proportional basis to those parties that win a minimum of one-tenth of the vote. The president appoints a Council of Ministers, which acts as an advisory body. The country is divided into 25 administrative divisions.
The Seychellois judiciary includes a Court of Appeal, a Supreme Court, and Magistrates’ Courts; the Constitutional Court is a branch of the Supreme Court.
Suffrage is universal; Seychellois are eligible to vote at age 17. Women participate actively in the government of the country and have held numerous posts, including positions in the cabinet and a proportion of seats in the National Assembly.
The People’s Party (formerly the Seychelles People’s Progressive Front) was the sole legal party from 1978 until 1991. It is still the country’s primary political party, but other parties are also active in Seychellois politics, including the New Democratic Party (formerly the Seychelles Democratic Party), the Seychelles National Party, and the Seychelles Movement for Democracy.
Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)
The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) was established under the Civil Aviation Authority Act, 2005, as an administrative and financial body corporate to provide for the services, facilities and regulation of civil aviation activities in Seychelles with the power to do anything for the purpose of discharging or facilitating the discharge of its functions. The SCAA and its affairs are administered by a CEO reporting to a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister responsible for Civil Aviation. The development of Civil Aviation in Seychelles started in 1972 with the opening of the Seychelles International Airport. Seychelles became a Contracting State to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Chicago Convention in 25th May 1977. And as a Contracting State, Seychelles operates within the established privileges and obligations of the Chicago Convention articles, annexes and applicable standards.
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. Seychelles AIP
Drone Regulations
Drone Laws – see below
Drone Registration
Introduction
The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) recognizes the growth and increasing use of unmanned aircraft (UA), or commonly known as ‘drones’ for recreational purposes, monitoring of the environment and wildlife, agriculture, inspections and has huge commercial potential. UA vary in size, weight, performance and the most sophisticated models have the ability to access remote areas to carry out aerial surveys, deliver humanitarian aids and other essential supplies. However, it is critical that their operation does not present any risk to aircraft, helicopters and their passengers, including the general public, who are protected under national laws and international laws emanating from the Chicago Convention.
You must only create an account with the intention of registering a drone immediately after the account creation. Empty accounts with no drones registered will be deleted. Please make sure you have the following documents ready for upload prior to creating the account:
Passport Page Photo
Drone Photo
Drone Serial Number Photo
For the time being all drone registrations are free of charge.
Drone Flight Authorization Request
Drone Flight Authorization Request
(within controlled airspace or restricted areas in Seychelles)
Introduction
In Seychelles there are certain areas which are regarded as controlled airspace or restricted areas. A drone flight authorization request (within controlled airspace or restricted areas in Seychelles) is asking permission to fly in a controlled airspace or restricted area in adherence to the regulatory requirements including guidelines provided by the Safety and Security Regulation Department of SCAA.
Authorization Process
If your drone operation is planned to take place within controlled airspace or restricted area in Seychelles, you are required to request for an authorization from SCAA before the commencement of such operation. Before applying for a drone flight authorization, you must create an account on the SCAA Drones Database and register your drone online and wait for approval. The authorization request and supporting documentation must be submitted not less than 72 hours in advance of any intended operation.
Prior to the authorization request, the applicant shall familiarize themselves with the below regulatory requirements including guidelines provided by the Safety and Security Regulation Department of SCAA:
For the time being all drone flight authorization requests are free of charge.
Controlled airspace is airspace of defined dimensions within which ATC services are provided.
Uncontrolled airspace is airspace where an Air Traffic Control (ATC) service is not necessary or cannot be provided for practical reasons.
If you own a DJI drone, kindly note that the drone manufacturer has implemented Geo Fencing restrictions for security and safety reasons. Please the DJI Geo Zone Map for your specific drone. Our office may provide a letter to you upon request which you can use to unlock the geo fencing zones temporarily while you coordinate with Air Traffic Control. Note: SCAA has no direct control to enable or disable the geo fencing zones directly. The drone operator must contact the drone manufacturer to initiate the unlocking.
Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)
2023 – Adacel’s Aurora ATM System Approved for use in the Seychelles
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 in Seychelles.
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.
