Drone Laws in Brazil

Last update on 27.01.2022 | 12 Kommentare

In this post, you will find the current regulations for the use of drones in Brazil.

First, I would like to introduce the three Brazilian authorities that regulate drone flights:

• ANAC: The civil aviation authority takes care of the registration of drones.
• DECEA: Airspace Surveillance Department
• ANATEL: National telecommunications agency that regulates radio frequencies.

The most relevant for you is the ANAC. But you should also know the other two, because they also set important rules for drone flying.

Overview: Drone rules in Brazil

More rules for drone pilots in Brazil

In Brazil, you are only allowed to fly your drone below 120 meters (400 feet) and within visual line of sight. You should keep a distance of 30 meters to bystanders unless they have given their consent. You must not fly over crowds or critical infrastructure (e.g. power plants, prisons, military facilities). You must be 30 meters away from buildings, again with the exception of the owner’s consent.

Also keep away from security areas. For flights up to 30 meters, you should keep a distance of 5.4 kilometers from airports, between 30 and 120 meters the distance should be 9 kilometers.

You must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when controlling a drone.

If you do not follow the rules and endanger the safety of others, you risk prison terms in Brazil.

If your drone weighs more than 250 grams, you have to register it in the SISANT portal. This is only possible with a tax number (CPF / CNPJ). As a non-Brazilian, you have two options: Either you instruct someone with a tax number to take over the registration of your drone. Then this person is also responsible and liable if something happens. Or you can try to apply for a tax number at the embassy.

If you have the registration number, it must be visibly attached to the drone with non-flammable material.

A drone weighing more than 250 grams may only be flown if the following documents are available:

• Registration
• If applicable, airworthiness certificate of the drone
• Flight manual
• Insurance policy
• Long-distance pilot license

For the import to Brazil it is important that your copter has an ANATEL seal which confirms that the Brazilian radio standards are complied with. If your drone does not have this seal, you must apply for it. It costs $ 70 and the process takes approximately 45 days.

In general, Brazil differentiates between model aircraft and RPAs (Remotely Piloted Aircraft). Model aircraft are those that are used exclusively for recreational purposes. You do not need liability insurance. All others are RPAs and are divided into three categories:

• Class 1: maximum takeoff weight over 150 kg
• Class 2: maximum takeoff weight between 25 and 150 kg
• Class 3: maximum takeoff weight up to 25 kg.

The minimum age for flying RPAs is 18 and you need liability insurance for drones weighing 250 grams or more. You can find more information in our article on drone insurance.

We have researched the listed drone regulations for Brazil to the best of our knowledge. We cannot guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, contact the competent aviation authority. Alternatively, you can also ask the embassy in your country for further information about the regulations. Please leave us a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your copter in Brazil!