As drone use grows more popular in the Philippines, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines manages the Filipino Airspace subject to a code of conduct. You can fly your drone around many areas in the country yet certain zones remain restricted such as some public parks, country borders, and other specified areas. Legal flight zones may also be accessed easily with a quick internet search. Flying drones illegally may result in confiscation of your drone and a fine between PHP50,000 and PHP100,000, depending on the severity of the infraction. Rules to drone use in the Philippines are differentiated according to purpose; for recreational purposes and commercial purposes.

Commercial Use

More and more advertisers and marketing agencies turn to drones for commercial usage, which requires more certifications than recreational use. If your drone weighs over 7kg and under 150kg, you will be needing a pilot certification, a remotely piloted aircraft operator certification, and a registration certificate to operate in the Philippines. These requirements will include you having to take training courses and other forms with the decision subject to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Should more than one of your staff be deemed non eligible, the entire organization’s application will be failed. You can learn more about the certification process on the CAAP’s website. 

Recreational Use

If your drone weighs under 7kg, no certifications and licenses are necessary to fly your drones within allowed zones in the Philippines although there is still a specified set of rules for recreational use. You should not be flying your drones at night and it must be within your sight the whole time. The maximum altitude you may fly your drone is 122m above the ground and it must be at least 30m away from any other person. With regards to airports, drones have to be at least 10km away as these rules are more strictly enforced in these areas, especially national land borders. The drone must also be insured and away from police officers or other enforcers so as not to interfere.

Are you looking to use drones for your business, organization, or agency? Or are you simply interested to use them for fun? Drone laws vary from country to country so to know more about flying drones in the Philippines, you just have to check out all the guidelines and requirements on the CAAP Website caap.gov.ph.