Five horizontal bands of green (top, double width), white, red (quadruple width), white, and green (double width). A large, yellow, five-pointed star is centered in the red band. Red stands for progress and love, green symbolizes hope and fertility, white signifies peace, justice, and freedom. The star represents the unity of all ethnic groups. From its yellow light the nation draws strength to bear sacrifices patiently while working toward a golden future.

Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Map courtesy of CIA World Factbook

Google Earth

The blue poison dart frog is endemic to Suriname.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Government

According to Britannica, under the 1987 constitution, legislative power is exercised by the popularly elected 51-member unicameral National Assembly, which in turn elects a president and vice president. The president, vice president, and members of the National Assembly serve five-year terms. The president is the chairman of a nonelective, military-influenced Council of State, which ensures that the government’s actions conform to the law. It has constitutional powers to annul laws passed by the National Assembly. The judicial system consists of a Court of Justice and cantonal courts. Suriname is a member of the Caribbean Court of Justice, the final court of appeal for Caribbean Community members.

Local government was established in Suriname in 1987. It is divided into distrikten (districts) and ressorten (subdistricts). Each district has a representative and an executive branch of government. The former are run by district raden (district councils), and the latter are administered by districtsbestuur (district administrations). At the subdistrict level there is only a representative branch managed by ressort raad (subdistrict councils). Both the district and subdistrict councils are elected every five years at the country’s general elections.

Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)

In 1996, a Safety Oversight assessment team of ICAO followed by an audit group of the FAA conducted safety oversight audits in Suriname to determine whether or not Suriname by means of legislation and other mechanisms fully complied with international and national regulations to guarantee aviation safety. Both teams came to the conclusion that the Surinamese Civil Aviation Act, which dated back to 1935 did not comply, was restricted and as such did not guarantee aviation safety. It was also concluded that the required organizational structure was missing whereas at the time, the much needed coordination between the several departments was impossible. As a result, the FAA decided to rate the Republic of Suriname in Category III, which means that with regard to aviation safety, the regulations did not meet international standards and no aircraft registered in Suriname was allowed to land within the territory of the United States of America. While taking into account the complexity of international civil aviation legislation and technological developments worldwide, this decision by the FAA with the full support of the ICAO necessitated a new construction to guarantee aviation safety at all times with the ultimate goal of regaining and sustaining Category I rating for Suriname. For this purpose the following actions had to be taken:

(1) Establish a well-structured organization initially in charge of flight operations, airworthiness and personnel licensing;
(2) Formulate a new civil aviation act adapted to new international standards;
(3) Formulate mechanisms to ensure aviation safety oversight at all times;
(4) Draw up regulations to meet the requirements set forth in the sector;
(5) Establish rules to enable the above-mentioned organization to regulate and take measures when necessary;
(6) Draw up regulations; in this case the Civil Aviation Regulations Suriname (CARS) were formulated.

Civil aviation characterizes itself that the ever developing technology compels states to continuously modify and amend regulations to comply with the Annexes to the Chicago Convention of 1944. In the end, the above-mentioned initially resulted in the founding of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname (CASAS) by State Decree of 12 May 1997 listing the duties and responsibilities of this body pending a new act on civil aviation. After the CASAS has been established, a draft civil aviation act was drawn up which would reflect the developments within international civil aviation in the past 15 years with the emphasis on safety and security of the sector for which reference can be made to articles 4 and 5 of the draft act. On 28 February 2002 the Act on Safety and Security of Civil Aviation in Suriname was approved by parliament and subsequently enacted on 12 March 2002.

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. Suriname AIP (not available electronically)

Drone Regulations

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority Suriname, CASAS, announced that in accordance with the law of March 12, 2002, containing rules regarding the safety and security of civil aviation in Suriname, (Wet Safety and Security Civil Aviation SB no. 24) article 16, General Prohibited Activities, it is forbidden to launch unmanned aerial vehicles, Drones.

The Minister in charge of Civil Aviation, Minister of TCT, may, subject to condition, grant exemption from the prohibitions referred to in Article 16. If the Minister grants any waiver, it must be carried out in accordance with the conditions, restrictions and requirements attached thereto.

Furthermore, in accordance with Article 26 of the aforementioned Act, the CASAS is authorized to establish conditions and restrictions for the performance of aviation activities that are not the transport of persons, animals or goods.

To ensure aviation safety and security, CASAS has developed a Decision Director CASAS, DDC to further define the conditions and restrictions for launching unmanned aircraft activities.

The information can be found in the 2019 – DDC. 001 Unmanned Aircraft

Paramaribo, February 1st, 2019

No. 1-2019-OPS/AIR/AVSEC

Decision Director CASAS

Subject: Unmanned Aircraft

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are a new component of the aviation system, one which ICAO, States and the aerospace industry are working to understand, define and ultimately integrate.(ICAO Circular 328, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)).  Globally there is an increasing demand for the use of unmanned aircraft, for recreational as well as commercial purposes.

In Suriname the operation of all unmanned aircraft whether remotely piloted, fully autonomous or combinations thereof, is generally prohibited based on Article 16 of the Civil Aviation Safety and Security Act (hereafter “the Act”) (S.B. 2002 no. 24) sub 1c. This prohibition also applies without regard to the purpose, size or weight of the unmanned aircraft.

Operating an unmanned aircraft is only allowed if the Minister in charge of air transport matters has granted conditional exemption from the prohibition. If such exemption is granted, this shall be implemented in pursuance of the terms, limitations and conditions thereof.

Furthermore, in accordance with Article 26 of the Act, the CASAS is authorized to establish conditions and limitations for the performance of aviation activities not being the transport of persons, animals or goods.

As such this DDC has been developed.

The purpose of this DDC is to further define the terms, limitations and conditions for unmanned aircraft operations with regards to aviation safety and security, whenever a Ministerial Exemption has been granted. This DDC is part of the regulatory framework for civil unmanned aircraft operations in the airspace of Suriname.

While different terminology is used by the aviation industry when describing various types of remotely controlled aircraft, for the purpose of this DDC “unmanned aircraft” shall be referred to as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This is more in line with the terminology used by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

(This DDC is only applicable to civil unmanned aircraft operations.)

(These definitions are used in the context of this DDC only.)

Aircraft. Any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than the reactions of the air against the earth’s surface.

Autonomous aircraft. An unmanned aircraft that does not allow pilot intervention in the management of the flight.

Autonomous operation. An operation during which a remotely-piloted aircraft is operating without pilot intervention in the management of the flight.

Command and control link. The data link between the remotely-piloted aircraft and the remote pilot station for the purposes of managing the flight.

Commercial operation. An aircraft operation conducted for business purposes (mapping, security surveillance, wildlife survey, aerial application, etc.).

Commercial use: Flying your UAS with the intent of generating monetary profit for your business, or to provide your services as a professional UAS operator. This includes sharing promotional UAS footage or photos via digital channels for free.

Hobby or recreational use: Flying your UAS for fun or amusement.

International UAS operations: In manned aviation, international operations are considered to be those in which the aircraft crosses an international border or operates in high seas airspace. UAS present additional scenarios to be considered as international operations such as:

a) the Remotely Piloted Aircraft is operating in the airspace of only one State (State X) while it is being remotely piloted from a Remote Pilot Station located in any other State (State Y);

b) either the Remotely Piloted Aircraft or the Remote Pilot Station is operated in high seas airspace;

Minister. The Minister in charge of civil aviation.

Model aircraft. A model aircraft is an unmanned aircraft that is:

1. Capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere

2. Flown within visual line-of-sight of the person operating the aircraft

3. Flown for hobby or recreational purposes.

Operational control. The exercise of authority over the initiation, continuation, diversion or termination of a flight in the interest of safety of the aircraft and the regularity and efficiency of the flight.

Remote pilot. The person who manipulates the flight controls of a remotely-piloted aircraft during flight time.

Remotely-piloted. Control of an aircraft from a pilot station which is not on board the aircraft.

Remotely-piloted aircraft. An aircraft where the flying pilot is not on board the aircraft.(This is a subcategory of unmanned aircraft)

Remotely-piloted aircraft system. A set of configurable elements consisting of a remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), the required command and control links and any other system elements as may be required, at any point during flight operation.

Segregated airspace. Airspace of specified dimensions allocated for exclusive use to a specific user(s).

Unmanned aircraft. An aircraft which is intended to operate with no pilot on board.

Unmanned aircraft system. An aircraft and its associated elements which are operated with no pilot on board.

Visual line-of-sight operation. An operation in which the remote pilot maintains direct visual contact with the aircraft to manage its flight and meet separation and collision avoidance responsibilities.

Remote pilot station. The component of the remotely piloted aircraft system containing the equipment used to pilot the remotely piloted aircraft.

Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA). An unmanned aircraft which is piloted from a remote pilot station.

Remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS). A remotely piloted aircraft, its associated remote pilot station(s), the required command and control links and any other components as specified in the type design.

Visual line-of-sight (VLOS) operation. An operation in which the remote pilot maintains direct unaided visual contact with the remotely piloted aircraft.

It is hereby decided that:

a. Strict compliance with the Terms, Limitations and Conditions set forth in this DDC is warranted whenever the Minister has granted exemption for operation of a UAS. Unmanned aircraft can pose a hazard to manned aircraft in flight and to persons and property on the surface if not operated in accordance with safety regulations.

b. Unmanned aircraft operations that endanger the safety of our national airspace, particularly careless or reckless operations or those that interfere with or fail to give way to any manned aircraft shall be subject to enforcement action.

c. UAS shall be categorized based on their operational purpose and weight as follows:

1. UAS for hobby or recreational use, abbreviated as UAS (R).

2. UAS for professional use, abbreviated as UAS (P). This category applies to:

• Any UAS for commercial use or commercial operation; or
• Any UAS above 25 kg in weight.

d. For the operation of UAS the applicable Terms, Limitations and Conditions have been divided into General and Specific provisions. The following General Terms, Limitations and Conditions are applicable to all UAS operations while in addition thereto, the Specific Terms, Limitations and Conditions shall be applicable subject to the relevant UAS category.

i. General Terms, Limitations and Conditions

1. All unmanned aircraft operations shall be remotely piloted. Fully autonomous or semi-autonomous UAS operations are strictly prohibited.

2. International UAS operations are strictly prohibited; both the remotely piloted aircraft and the remote pilot station shall be operated within the boundaries of Suriname.

3. The remote pilot shall have operational control of the UAS flight. Therefore, the remote pilot is directly responsible for the entire operation of the UAS and he/she shall ensure compliance with this DDC.

4. The UAS shall not be operated unless it is in a condition for safe operation.

5. Prior to each flight, the remote pilot shall:

• Inspect the UAS to determine whether it is in a condition for safe operation.
• Ensure that all command and control links between the ground control station and the UAS are working properly.
• Check if the UAS is powered to ensure that there is enough available power to operate for the intended operational time.
• Ensure that any object attached or carried by the UAS is secure and does not adversely affect the flight characteristics or controllability of the aircraft.
• Assess the operating environment, considering risks to persons and property in the immediate vicinity both on the surface and in the air. This assessment must include:

Local weather conditions;

Local airspace and any flight restrictions;

The location of persons and property on the surface; and

Other hazards.

6. The UAS shall be operated within the remote pilot his/her visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times.

7. The remote pilot shall not operate the UAS at a lateral distance of less than 50 m from any congested area, buildings, houses, vehicles, vessels, or the public, including organized open-air assembly, spectators, bystanders or any person not associated with the operation of the UAS.

8. The UAS shall not be operated at or within 5 km of an airport/aerodrome.

9. The UAS shall not be operated at night or during low visibility conditions. The minimum flight visibility, as observed from the location of the control station must be no less than 4 km.

10. The UAS shall not be operated in controlled airspace.

11. The UAS shall be operated in a manner that does not interfere with, and gives way to, any manned aircraft; The UAS may not be operated so close to another manned or unmanned aircraft as to create a collision hazard.

12. The UAS shall not be operated in a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the life or property.

13. A person may not act as a remote pilot in the operation of more than one UAS at the same time.

14. The UAS shall not be operated in prohibited or restricted airspace unless the remote pilot has permission from the using or controlling agency.

15. UAS shall not be operated with the intention of dropping or discharging any items to the ground.

16. The remote pilot shall report to CASAS within 5 calendar days by email or letter, any operation of the UAS involving:

• Injury to any person; and or
• Damage to any property other than the UAS

17. The remote pilot, owner, operator of a UAS shall, upon request, allow authorized inspectors of CASAS to conduct any test or inspection of the UAS and or the remote pilot to determine compliance with this DDC.

ii. Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Recreational Use

For the operation of UAS (R) the following Terms, Limitations and Conditions are applicable:

1. The UAS (R) shall be flown strictly for hobby or recreational purposes.

2. The weight of the UAS (R) shall not exceed 25 kg.

3. The Remote Pilot of a UAS (R) shall be at least 16 years of age.

4. The UAS (R) shall not be operated at an altitude greater than 120 m above ground level (AGL).

5. The UAS (R) shall not be operated at a lateral distance of more than 500 m from the location of the Remote Pilot.

6. In accordance with the Civil Code, the Remote Pilot of a UAS (R) is liable for damages to third parties caused by the UAS operation. It is strongly recommended that the Remote Pilot holds appropriate insurance for any damages to third parties caused by the UAS operation.

iii. Unmanned Aircraft Systems – Professional Use

For the operation of UAS (P) the following Terms, Limitations and Conditions are applicable:

1. No person shall remotely pilot a UAS for professional use unless he/she holds a UAS (P) Operating Authorization issued by CASAS.

2. The Remote Pilot applying for a UAS (P) Operating Authorization shall:

• Complete and submit the UAS (P) application form;
• Be at least 21 years of age;
• Present proof that he/she has been trained, tested, and found to be competent to act as the remote pilot of a UAS (P);
• Demonstrate to CASAS that he/she is competent to operate the UAS (P) safely by carrying out such maneuvers while in control of the UAS (P) as CASAS may require;
• Register the UAS (P) in the unmanned aircraft register at CASAS. The application for registration shall be accompanied by the Manufacturer’s Technical Specifications of the UAS (P).
• Obtain no objection from the Air Traffic Service Provider for the intended UAS (P) operation(s).
• Present to CASAS any other document considered necessary to ensure that the intended operations will be conducted safely.

3. When the requirements under (iii) (2) above have been met, CASAS may issue a UAS (P) Operating Authorization to the applicant.

4. The UAS (P) Operating Authorization shall contain all applicable additional operations specifications including operating limitations and any deviations.

5. The UAS (P) Operating Authorization shall be valid for 1 (one) year or for the duration of the intended operation, whichever is less.

6. Any special equipment fitted on the UAS (P) must be approved by CASAS and shall be included in the UAS (P) Operating Authorization.

7. The UAS (P) shall only be operated in airspace specially segregated by the Air Traffic Service Provider for that specific purpose only.

8. The Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) provider shall issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to make other airspace users aware of the UAS (P) operation and the therefor segregated airspace.

9. No person shall operate a UAS for professional use unless he/she has presented to CASAS proof of having the necessary Liability Insurance.

A deviation permits a remote pilot to either deviate from a specific provision of this DDC or comply with special alternative provisions, conditions, or limitations. To apply for a deviation, the remote pilot must submit a specific request to the Director of CASAS. The application must be made by a letter that identifies the specific provisions of this DDC from which a deviation is requested. The letter and attachments, if appropriate, must contain the specific reasons for requesting the deviation, information to show that an equivalent level of safety will be maintained, and any other information the CASAS may require.

This Decision Director CASAS is effective from February 21 st , 2019 and shall remain in force until cancelled, amended or revoked. A/S: February 1, 2019 A. Wolf Director

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