Drone regulations being finalised as long-range flight-testing advances

The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is moving to strengthen its regulatory framework for drone operations, as authorities move to finalise new regulations while completing successful tests of beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flights.

This was disclosed by Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Director General, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Egbert Field, who noted that BVLOS flights could be used to transport medication, blood samples, and other critical supplies to hinterland communities.

“So what we’re doing at the moment, just to let you know, is that we are in the process of finalising our drone regulations, which would cover both classes. Together with that, we have just finished testing the beyond-visual-line-of-sight operation so that the drone can operate from Georgetown into one of the hinterland locations, either carrying medication, taking blood samples, or whatever is required. And that’s an entire ecosystem that we have to deal with, because this is beyond line of sight,” Field said.

Meanwhile, Captain Gerald Gouveia Jr stressed that unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations must be properly regulated, with licensed Pilots and operators, as well as systems in place to track drones.

“Drone technology must be embraced. I don’t think you can move away from UAV and UAV operations. It just needs to be regulated like it is in Guyana and like it is in the US. The pilots and operators need to be licensed. The drones need to be tracked. I know that the Civil Aviation Authority is working on their beyond-visual-line-of-sight regulations, which allow drones to go further. And once we do it in a safe and calculated way, the [aviation] industry is not concerned,” Gouveia said.

He, however, expressed concern about the growing number of unlicensed, non-commercial drone operators entering the market, stressing the need to ensure that all operators are properly registered, licensed, and compliant with aviation standards.

“What we are concerned about are unlicenced, non-commercial operators that are proliferating in the market. So we just need to make sure that we can get everyone on board and get everyone up to standard, and that will create a safe industry. Drones, planes, helicopters, hopefully someday soon space flight. But the point is that we have to embrace technology and make sure they meet the standard,” he said.

Gouveia added that Private Sector operators must also play a role in ensuring compliance by reporting individuals who attempt to circumvent aviation regulations.

Last week, the GCAA launched an investigation into the alleged illegal operation of a drone in the vicinity of the Soesdyke-Linden area and appealed to the public for information.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Authority said it received the report through its “See Something, Say Something” programme and is treating the matter as part of a security investigation.

The GCAA is urging drone owners and operators, Pilots, farmers, residents, and anyone with information about the alleged activity to contact the authority at 592-608-4222 or report the matter to the nearest Police Station.

Persons may also submit information anonymously through the “See Something, Say Something” programme.