Publications | News Use of drones in Portuguese airspace

The use of drones has been regulated by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC), since January 2017, in response to various reported incidents involving these devices. Nevertheless, in anticipation of the measures proposed by the European Union, the Government has announced that legislation on this matter is in the final stages of drafting.

Regulation 1093/2016 of 14 December provides for a series of specific rules for the “operation of remotely piloted civil aircraft systems”, which include model aeroplanes and toy aircraft commonly known as drones, such as maximum altitude, prohibited zones or which lack prior authorisation for their use, restrictions on use and violation of ANAC decisions, instructions or orders.

In anticipation of the European Union’s proposed measures for the safe use of drones, the Government has prepared legislation, which is in the final stages of drafting, with a view to the registration of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) and the creation of specific civil liability insurance.

It is important to bear in mind that this is a rapidly and constantly evolving aviation sector, with the result that regulation of its safe use for all should be a priority.