Ready to get the licence

The strict regulations have not deterred some drone enthusiasts from owning unmanned aerial vehicles as they’re prepared to get their licence and registration.

Lebanese expat and drone owner Omar El Kattouri said he is very passionate about drones and is willing to “jump through hoops” to get the necessary paperwork done to operate his drone legally. “I’ve always wanted to fly a drone and recently bought one. Now, I’m waiting for my classes to start. I have studied drone laws before,” he said. As a filmmaker, he wants to use a drone to make videos, so he will be going in for the commercial drone licence.

A Jordanian expat, Ahmad Jaber, wants to get his hobbyist pilot licence. “It wouldn’t be a bad thing to have a drone pilot licence either. As drones become more popular, it’s not a surprise that these kinds of regulations are being introduced,” he said.

“There are planes, helicopters, jets and rockets in the skies — it can be chaotic if a random drone comes in their way. Also, with aerial taxis being brought in too, we need to be careful with our drones.” Jaber believes that he has enough experience with drones to opt for the quick multiple choice test and flight test option at Sanad Academy. He will submit his training certification to the aviation authority to get his drone licence and registration.

sarwat@khaleejtimes.com

I’ve always wanted to fly a drone. I recently bought one, and have studied drone laws.” Omar El Kattouri, expat