Drone regulations under development
Further, in bid to smooth the approval process, PACA is preparing to post two sets of applications on its website: one concerns the import of drone equipment via the Sultanate’s land and air borders, and the other pertains to authorisation for the operation of drones in the Sultanate.
These applications will be available online within the coming fortnight, said Al Raisi.
Moreover, with a view a to easing the way for hobbyists to use drones for creational purposes, PACA will explore the possibility of creating drone-friendly zones in the city, he said.
Earlier, Col Rabeea bin Suleiman al Aghbari, Director of Geographic Services, National Survey Authority (NSA), said that applications for drone use will take no more than 5–10 days to process provided all of the requested information is furnished by the applicant.
Government ministries, he said, represent the majority of applicants for drone use, primarily for aerial surveys, oil field inspections and project- related applications.
Requests typically spike around National Day, Muscat Festival and other major public events, he said.
His colleague, Lt Col Yousuf bin Harith al Nabhani, Staff Officer 1 — Geographical Names, NSA, warned that imports of drones for commercial or recreation purposes are currently restricted unless accompanied by an Aerial Operation Permit (AEP) issued in advance by relevant regulatory and security agencies.
Consequently, equipment brought in via Oman’s land and air borders are liable to be confiscated without this key authorisation, he said.
The two-day conference, organised by IQPC Middle East, opened with brief remarks by Sally French, founder of thedronegirl. com and a renowned international speaker on drones.
Michael Herrero, Area Manager, Gulf, IATA, also shed light on the status of drone regulation across the GCC region.