Antartica Drone Laws (2019)

Img 1: Aerial Photography In Antartica

General Antartica Drone Laws
Drone Permits In Antartica
Brining Your Drone On Airplanes Guide
Buying Drones In Antartica
Drone Travel Guide Articles
Contact Information For Questions

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General Antartica Drone Laws

Drone use is allowed in Antartica, but there are several drone laws that need to be followed when flying in the country. Operators must ensure that they follow the following drone laws when flying in Antartica,

Do not fly your drone over people or large crowds
Respect others privacy when flying your drone
Do not fly your drone over airports or in areas were aircraft are operating
You must fly during daylight hours and only fly in good weather conditions
Do not fly your drone in sensitive areas including government or military facilities. Use of drones or camera drones in these areas are prohibited.

Environmental restrictions
- UAVs must not be flown over or near to concentrations of wildlife on shore or at sea, or over concentrations of marine mammals and flying birds.
- UAVs must not be flown over Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs).
- UAVs must not be flown over Antarctic Specially Managed Areas (ASMAs) unless the activity is specifically allowed in the ASMA Management Plan.
- UAVs must not be flown directly over designated Historic Sites and Monuments (HSMs).
- UAVs must not be flown in the vicinity of scientific stations without the permission of the Base Commander.
- If any wildlife indicates disturbance, unusual behavior, or interest in the UAV, the flight should be aborted immediately.
- In the event of a crash, every effort should be made to collect all the remains and evidence of the UAV, if safe to do so.

Permit Needed For Recreational Drone Use?

Recreational drone for UAV is not allowed.

Please adhere to the above General Antartica Drone Laws however when flying your drone.(What Is Recreational Drone Use?)

Permit Needed For Commercial Drone Use?

A drone permit is required for commercial drone use.

- UAV flights for scientific or commercial purposes are allowed if conducted with the permission/authorization from a competent authority;

- UAV flights are allowed at deep field sites, including coastal areas bound by ice shelves, if conducted with the permission/authorization from a competent authority.

Please adhere to the above General Antartica Drone Laws however when flying your drone.Click here to purchase a permit, or contact the local aviation authority. (What Is Commercial Drone Use?)

Bringing Your Drone On Airplanes Guide

For a detailed guide to bringing your drone on airplanes click here. All drones should be brought on carry on luggage if possible. This is because according to the Montreal Convention, airlines are only liable for losses up to ~$1,000 USD. When traveling internationally, theft and lost luggage can be common issues, particularly if your flight has many connections. If your drone is worth more than $1,000 USD and you cannot bring it onto the plane you should consider shipping it with DHL, Fedex, or UPS instead and fully insure the shipment.

You should NOT place drone batteries in your checked baggage. All drone batteries should be placed in a Medium Size Lipo Battery Bag like the one shown here in the link and brought onto the plane in your carry on bag. Lithium-ion batteries are considered ""dangerous goods"" by airlines and rules surrounding these batteries on planes are EXTREMELY strict due to multiple incidents of these batteries catching fire. Failure to properly pack lithium-ion batteries in a bag such as the one shown in the link above can result in the airline seizing them, you getting fined, or being denied boarding.

Here is some video footage shot by emanhu when flying a drone in Antartica.

Drone Travel Guide

Antartica drone laws are up to date as of June, 2019. Please email [email protected] , or click “leave a message” at the bottom right of the screen if you have any questions or comments.

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