99 Sint Maarten (Netherlands)

Two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and blue with a white isosceles triangle based on the hoist side. The center of the triangle displays the Sint Maarten coat of arms. The arms consist of an orange-bordered  blue shield prominently displaying the white court house in Philipsburg, as well as a bouquet of yellow sage (the national flower) in the upper left, and the silhouette of a Dutch-French friendship monument in the upper right. The shield is surmounted by a yellow rising sun in front of which is a brown pelican in flight. A yellow scroll below the shield bears the motto: SEMPER PROGREDIENS (Always Progressing). The three main colors are identical to those on the Dutch flag.

Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Google Earth

Colorful shops along a street in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten.

Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Last updated on August 17, 2024

Government

According to Britannica, the Arawak and Carib inhabited the island before its sighting by Christopher Columbus on November 11, 1493, the feast day of St. Martin of Tours. It was claimed by several European powers, notably the Dutch and the French, who partitioned the island in 1648. The Dutch portion of the island became a part of the Dutch West Indies in 1828 and in 1845 was one of the six Dutch island territories in the West Indies that were brought under collective administration. In 1954 those six were reorganized into the Netherlands Antilles, becoming an integral part of the Netherlands politically with autonomy in their internal affairs. However, in 1986 one of the constituent members, Aruba, chose to leave the Netherlands Antilles and establish its own autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

In 1989 the political leadership of Sint Maarten announced its desire to achieve full independence as soon as possible, although eventually Sint Maarten chose to remain within the Netherlands with a status that allowed for a greater degree of autonomy. In 2006 the people of Sint Maarten agreed, along with the other islands and the government of the Netherlands, to dissolve the Netherlands Antilles; this occurred on October 10, 2010. Sint Maarten and Curaçao became, like Aruba, countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The head of state is the Dutch monarch, represented by a governor, and the head of government is the prime minister. A Council of Ministers, presided over by the prime minister, forms government policy. A minister plenipotentiary from Sint Maarten resides in the Netherlands and represents the country there at meetings of the Netherlands Council of Ministers. Sint Maarten has a unicameral Parliament (Staten), with 15 members (subject to increase up to 21 members, depending upon population growth) elected on the basis of proportional representation for a term of four years. Voting is open to all residents of Sint Maarten with Dutch nationality who are at least 18 years old. Sint Maarten is independent in internal affairs, but the government of the Netherlands is responsible for defense, foreign relations, and similar external matters. The judiciary consists of a Court of First Instance and a Common Court of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, both of which handle civil and criminal cases. The Supreme Court of the Netherlands is the court of final appeal.

Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)

The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunication of Sint Maarten has the following vision to play a leading role in providing information and to be instrumental in developing the economy by means of diversification in industries which are complementary to our tourism based economy. Its mission is to be the leading institution to develop policies that stimulate and facilitate sustainable economic development of St. Maarten, by means of providing analytical, objective, comprehensive and reliable information in a timely and professional manner. To this end, their main tasks include: 

  • Social-economic development planning
  • The development of employment
  • The development and stimulation of the various sectors of the economy
  • To offer recommendations pertaining to the harbor, airport, utility companies and companies that provides transport and telecommunication facilities and services.
  • The development of and offer support with the execution of economic regulations.

Airspace

SkyVectorGoogle MapsADS-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.

Dutch Caribbean ANSP

Airspace Classification

Airspace Classification

Airspace Classification

Drone Regulations

Ministry restricts use of drones – The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Telecommunications (TEATT) has placed restrictions on the use of drone aircraft in several areas such as the Princess Juliana International Airport, the Harbor, the House of Detention in Pointe Blanche, the Detention Center in Simpson Bay, TeLEm, St. Maarten Medical Center, The Fire Department in Cay Hill, the Court House in Philipsburg, the Coast Guard Offices, the Police Detention Center in Philipsburg, the Government Administration Building, the island utility company GEBE, SOL, and Texaco fuel farms in Cay Bay, the Parliament building, and the Central Bank building.

The Department of Civil Aviation, Shipping, and Maritime has designated key areas which are considered “no fly zones” for drones or other remotely operated aircraft. The areas include Maho Beach, Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay, and Kim Sha Beach. Exemptions and authorizations will only be possible for specific activities such as inspections, search and rescue operations, patrolling, and special promotional activities.

When using drones or remotely piloted aircraft, persons should take all the necessary precautions in flying them indoors or in areas where there are crowds or between houses since this could create additional safety risks for the pilot, the inhabitants, and the property. It is advised that pilots of remotely piloted aircraft should also use a spotter who could help in navigating safely.

Use of UAS/RPAS or Drones prohibited from no fly zones

No Drone Zone

On 10 February 2020, the Department of Civil Aviation informed the public that with the implementation of the Ministerial Regulation limiting the use of RPAS/UAS or drones, there are established zones where drone flights are prohibited (NO Fly Zones). Drone flights in these zones can only occur after exemptions/authorizations have been granted by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication.
One such zone is the area of four (4) kilometers from the boundary of the Princess Juliana International Airport, which includes the areas of Simpson Bay and sections of the Cole Bay area where Regatta activities will take place. In addition to the No Fly Zones, the regulation also prescribe guidelines for safe drone operations. In this regard, individuals are not allowed to operate drones in close vicinity to large crowds and at public events. The Regatta is taking place from March 05, 2020 until March 08, 2020, thus drone operators are urged to take urgent heed.
In addition to the aforementioned Ministerial Regulation, the public is also hereby advised that Article 25 paragraph a, of the Aviation National Ordinance prohibits operations in the airspace over Sint Maarten in a manner that may endanger or disturb aviation and the public order. Violations of this Ordinance can result in penalties or fines.
With the start of the Regatta on March 05, 2020, the Department will be issuing exemptions/authorizations for the use of drones within the Princess Juliana International Airport NO-FLY Zone ONLY for the purpose of taking aerial photographs or video of the Regatta. Any individual/company that want to conduct aerial photography or filming of the Regatta must submit a written request to the Department by no later than February 28, 2020.
With this request, the applicant must provide all relevant information on the drone (type model, operations specification) and the details of the operation (takeoff and landing zone, proposed route, company/contract details). Individuals can submit their written request via email to louis.halley@sintmaartengov.org, arsenio.rombley@sintmaartengov.org or Richard.vanDinter@sintmaartengov.org.
Remotely piloted aircraft systems/ unmanned aircraft systems or drones have to be closely monitored while operating in the area of Simpson Bay and near the airport as large numbers of drones operating in these areas can pose a danger to landing and departing aircraft at the airport. In addition, these aircraft systems can also pose a hindrance to the sailing teams taking part in the Regatta. As such, we are limiting the amount of drones that can operate during the Regatta. Requests will be assessed in the order of which they are received and requests received after the deadline may not be processed.

Use of RPAS during the Heineken Regatta

The prestigious Heineken Regatta is taking place from February 28, 2019 until March 03, 2019, and as with previous Heineken Regattas most of the events will take place in the Simpson Bay and Cole Bay areas. In this respect, the public is hereby informed that it is expressly prohibited to operate remotely piloted aircraft systems/ unmanned aircraft systems or drones in these areas or within a 3 km radius from the Princess Juliana International Airport. Furthermore, it is further prohibited to operate drones in close vicinity to large crowds and at public events.
Remotely piloted aircraft systems/ unmanned aircraft systems or drones have to be closely monitored while operating in the area of Simpson Bay and near the airport because large numbers of drones operating in these areas can pose a danger to landing and departing aircraft at the airport. In addition, these aircraft systems can also pose a hindrance to the sailing teams taking part in the Heineken Regatta.
The public is also hereby advised that Article 25 paragraph a, of the Aviation National Ordinance prohibits operations in the airspace over Sint Maarten in a manner that may endanger or disturb aviation and the public order. Individuals that are found to be operating their drones in violations of this notice will be considered acting in violation of the aforementioned ordinance for which the individual can be subjected to various penalties and or fines.
With the start of the Heineken Regatta on February 28, 2019, the Department will be issuing authorizations for the use of the drones for commercial purposes only. Any individual/company that want to conduct aerial photography or filming for commercial purposes during the Heineken Regatta must submit a written request to the Department by no later than February 25, 2019.
With this request, the applicant must provide all relevant information on the drone (type model, operations specification) and the details of the operation (takeoff and landing zone, proposed route, company/contract details). Individuals can submit their written request via email to
louis.halley@sintmaartengov.orgshaka.lake@sintmaartengov.org or
arsenio.rombley@sintmaartengov.org. We are limiting the amount of drones that can operate during the Regatta, and as such requests will be assessed in order for which they are received. Hobbyist/ recreational drone users are strictly prohibited from operating their drone in the areas where the Heineken Regatta and associated activities will be held.

 

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

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 Sint Maarten, 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.

 

 

 

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License

Drones Across the World Copyright © 2023 by Sarah Nilsson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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