Use of drones rattles authorities in Mozambique

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Use of drones rattles authorities in Mozambique

1:10 CAT | 13 Aug 2018

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Unlicensed companies are promoting services based on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), prompting disquiet at the Mozambican Association of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Amovant ), an entity that interacts with the Mozambican Civil Aviation Institute (IACM) to regulate their use.

Amovant says there are rules that aim to prevent accidents or damage to aircraft, and strategies for integration into airspace – requirements that are not being observed. Promoters of such services should approach the regulator, the Civil Aviation Institute of Mozambique (IACM), to obtain clarification on the rules on drones usage, Amovant says.

According to Amovant, drones can only be used by people 18 years of age or older. The association also fears that people who are at the head of such companies do not have basic knowledge regarding aeronautical issues.

In the words of Amovant member Ernesto Macamo, individuals using the drones could violate the privacy of people and institutions.

Recently, a drone was seen flying over the Xipamanine eighbourhood, in the country’s capital, an area considered critical because it is on the Maputo International Airport flightpath.

According to ‘Domingo’, there have been regular reports of drones filming the building of the Maputo-KaTembe bridge over Maputo bay, as well as over Costa do Sol beach area, both critical areas for aircraft manoeuvers.

Source: AIM Moçambique