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

Google Earth

View of a wide sandy beach on Providenciales Island.

Photo courtesy of the CIA World Factbook

Last updated on April 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

Drone Laws

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

Police Drone Laws

ASSI

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)

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)

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