Drone regulations in Malta
In Malta, there are currently no specific laws geared to operate drones. Furthermore, there is also the complicating fact that Malta is entirely within the controlled airspace. Because of this, Malta is in a unique situation. In contrast to the most other European countries, Malta permits the operation of multicopters in controlled airspace.
Currently, all drones must be approved by the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) if the copter weighs more than 250 grams. Thus, a permit is required for all relevant camera drones. You will receive the permission if you send a self-declaration (similar to the German general decrees). You can download a form from the CAD website. The processing time is about seven days.
When applying, you must prove valid drone insurance. In addition to information on the type of your drone (type/manufacturer/ model), you should of course also include your contact details, which you can reach in Malta.
Maltese rules in the overview
If you refer to the Self Declaration, the following rules apply in Malta. For drone flights that exceed these limits, you will need a separate individual permit.
Maximum altitude: The maximum height is 60 meters.
Maximum horizontal distance and FPV: Your drone must always be within sight of Malta and never be more than 300 meters from the helm.
Compulsory insurance: In Malta, you are obliged to insure your drone.
Maximum take-off weight (MTOW): Unmanned aerial vehicles may not be heavier than 25 kilograms.
Distance to airports: In Malta, there is a safe distance of one kilometer to airports.
Other safety distances: To uninvolved persons, vehicles, ships, and structures are to be kept a distance of 50 meters. To many other objects is a minimum distance of 120 meters. These include police properties, military and industrial plants, power plants, hospitals, embassies and consulates, ports, buildings of international organizations and crowds of people (minimum 12 people).
No-fly zones: In Maltese nature reserves flying a drone is prohibited.
Operating hours: No restrictions known.
Good to know: The permit issued by the self-declaration is valid for six months.
Regulations for commercial pilots: Currently, there is no distinction according to the purpose of drones
Helpful links: Transport Malta, Times of Malta
We have researched the listed drone regulations for Malta to the best of our knowledge. We can not guarantee the correctness of the information. If you want to be on the safe side, please 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 Malta!
Who wrote this?
Francis
Since January 2015, we travel around the world. In our backpack we carry a camera drone which we use to capture the best places from a bird’s perspective. First we travelled with a DJI Phantom 2. But now we use a Yuneec Typhoon H. On our blog we share the best tips for you about travelling with a copter. If you have questions about this article or new information, don’t hesitate to leave us a comment!
all flights must be approved individually by the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD) if the copter weighs more than 250 grams.
Does this mean I could not bring mavic to malta ?
Hello,
Got any update on that?
Interested in this as well.
Hello, DJI created a new dron TELLO in March 2018. The body weight is 80 grams (0.08 kg). Flight with this drones is allowed? do I need no permission or paper from the office?
Hello, I’m going to Malta in some days and I’m taking my drone with me. I wanted to know if i need some kind of Maltese permission to fly it or I can just feel free to fly it as long as it’s not in important buildings, hoses or over cars and people off course. Wanted to get some feedback of drones in Malta. Thank you. Cheers !
Hi Jennifer,
As I wrote in the article, you need a permission for each flight from the CAD.
Hi,
I am trying to contact Malta’s CAD for a permission to fly my drone over there, but I have not been able to get a hold of anyone who would have properly responded to my emails. How was your experience with this?
I waited for an answer about a week. I was answered from the e-mail address drones.aviation@transport.gov.mt
New rules from 01/04/20148
http://www.transport.gov.mt/aviation/operational-requirements-for-the-use-of-drones-in-malta
Please update information from official source.
Thank you Artsem, I check the new rules.