125 Turks and Caicos (UK)
Blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the colonial shield centered on the outer half of the flag. The shield is yellow and displays a conch shell, a spiny lobster, and Turk’s cap cactus – three common elements of the islands’ biota.
Flag courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
View of a wide sandy beach on Providenciales Island.
Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook
Last updated on August 18, 2024
Government
According to Britannica, the terms of the Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution Order of 2011 provide for a governor, who is to represent the British monarch as head of state and bear responsibility for external affairs, internal security, defense, international financial services, and the appointment of public officers. The executive branch also includes a cabinet, headed by the governor, that also includes a premier appointed by the governor, the attorney general, the deputy governor, and up to six other ministers, who are members of the legislature appointed by the governor on the advice of the premier. The unicameral legislature, the House of Assembly, consists of 21 members: 15 directly elected, four appointed, one ex officio (the attorney general), and the speaker, who is elected to that position by the legislature. The speaker can be either a member of the legislature not serving in the cabinet or a person from outside the legislature.
Civil / National Aviation Authority (CAA/NAA)
Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) aims to provide the highest international standard in safety, quality and service in Civil Aviation Administration and Airport Operations. Air Safety Support International’s (ASSI) Policy Statements are contained in Part 1 of the Policy and Co-ordination Manual (PacMan). These are subject to ASSI’s formal consultation process and Directors of Civil Aviation (DCAs) will normally have 4 weeks to submit comments on a Policy Statement before it comes into effect. ASSI’s formal consultation process is set out in Policy Statement No 30 ‘Consultation’.
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. Turks and Caicos AIP – password required
Drone Regulations
Introduction
Traditionally unmanned aircraft have only been used by model aircraft enthusiasts for recreational purposes. However, they are increasingly being used for professional applications such as surveillance and data-gathering. Such aircraft are likely to be operated in a way that may pose a greater risk to the general public. Unlike manned aircraft or model aircraft used for recreational purposes, there are no established operating guidelines so operators may not be aware of the potential dangers or indeed the responsibility they have towards not endangering the public.
Furthermore, much larger unmanned aircraft are now being developed. These aircraft are required by National and European law to be designed and manufactured to an approved standard, and very often require a great deal more space in which to operate. Therefore it is often necessary to take additional steps to ensure that the aircraft can be safely integrated with other airspace users – both in the air and on the ground.
In January 2010 the TCICAA introduced new regulations that require operators of small unmanned aircraft used for aerial work purposes and those equipped for data acquisition and/or surveillance to obtain permission from the TCICAA before commencing a flight within a congested area or in proximity to people or property. Details of the permission and how to apply are explained in the links below.
Terminology
The terms Unmanned Aircraft (UA) or Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) are used to describe the aircraft itself, whereas the term Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) is generally used to describe the entire operating equipment including the aircraft, the control station from where the aircraft is operated and the wireless data link. The term Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is still referred to in some areas, but this is progressively being phased out so that the ‘aircraft’ classification is given a clearer emphasis.
Application for Operation of a Small Unmanned Aircraft in UK Overseas Territories Airspace
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)
Please note that there may be additional airspace restrictions on flying SUAs in some Territories.
Montserrat: Direction prohibiting the use of all SUAs within the vicinity of John A Osborne International Airport (dated November 2019).
St Helena: Direction prohibiting and restricting the use of all SUAs within the vicinity of St Helena Airport (dated November 2019).
Ascension Island: Direction prohibiting the use of all SUAs within the vicinity of Wideawake Airfield (dated June 2016).
If you have a query with regard to operating a small unmanned aircraft in the UK Overseas Territories, please contact the appropriate authority.
If you wish to operate in the UK Overseas Territories of Anguilla, BVI, Montserrat, St Helena (including Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha) and South Georgia or the South Sandwich Islands you should apply to ASSI using the following application form:
Download the application form for the operation of a Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA) in the UK Overseas Territories Airspace.
The Managing Director
Turks & Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority (TCICAA)
PO Box 168
Hibiscus Square
Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos Islands
Telephone: + 1 649 946 2137
Fax: + 1 649 946 1185
Email: www.tcicaa.org/contact-us
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 the beaches in Turks and Caicos, 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.