Drone Laws in Rwanda
Last update on 05.10.2019 | 0 Kommentare
In this post, you will learn about the laws which apply to drone pilots in Rwanda.
All drones that are brought to Rwanda must be registered using form RCAA-Form-UAS001. Only citizens and permanent residents of Rwanda who are 21 years or older can register. The registration fee is 110,000 RWF (about 125 Euro). According to reports, the processing of the registration takes about three months.
So if you plan to fly with your copter in Rwanda, you will need a local contact who will register the drone for you.
Additionally, flying your drone requires a permit from the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA). In order to apply, you need to fill out form RCAA-Form-RPAS002 and allow two to four weeks processing time.
All other terms are very transparently explained on the website of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA).
Overview: Drone rules in R
Drone labels can be ordered here
Further rules for flying a drone in Rwanda
The maximum allowed altitude is 100 meters (328 feet) above ground. The maximum distance between pilot and drone is 300 meters, as long as direct visual contact is ensured.
Drones in Rwanda can weigh up to 25 kilograms. A permit from the RCAA for copter flights can only be obtained in Rwanda if your drone is insured.
Drone flights at night are not allowed. Drones must not fly faster than 100 kilometers per hour (87 knots). They must be marked with the registration number assigned to you by the Aviation Authority. The label has to be fireproof, e.g., via a permanent marker, a sticker or engraving.
In the airports in Rwanda, signs state clearly that multicopters must be registered. That’s why you have to expect baggage checks at customs. If your drone is not registered, it may be confiscated until you complete the registration process.
Safety distances and prohibited areas
Without airspace clearance, flights within a radius of 10 kilometers (6 miles) around an airport are not allowed.
It is not permitted to fly closer than 50 meters to persons, buildings, vehicles, ships, and animals unless they are directly involved in the flight. For flights over uninvolved persons, you need a special permit from the RCAA.
We have researched the listed drone regulations for Rwanda 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 Rwanda!