BULA VINAKA
Welcome to Drone Safety Fiji
My name is Faga Tevite Timote and I have setup this site to help anyone who wishes to operate a Drone aka Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) in Fiji. Here you will find the Fiji Air Navigation Regulation excerpt which outlines the laws governing such contraptions along with the registration forms for both RECREATIONAL and COMMERCIAL flying.
FIJI AIR NAVIGATION REGULATION
OPERATION OF AERIAL DEVICES INCLUDING BALLOONS, GLIDERS, KITES & PARA-SAILS
78 (1) NO aerial devices may be towed, flown, tethered or operated;
(a) Within 3 kilometers of an aerodrome reference point of a domestic aerodrome and within 5 kilometers of an aerodrome reference point of an international aerodrome.
(b) More than 200 feet (approximately 61 meters) above the earth’s surface; and
(c) So as to impinge on the safe operations of aircraft.
(2) Notwithstanding sub regulation (1), an aerial device may be permitted to operate under any conditions and limitations imposed by the Authority.
(3) In this regulation, aerial device means a balloon, glider, hang glider, powered or towed parachute, ultralight or microlight aircraft, tethered or towed kite, model aircraft, rocket or firework display or any other similar device.
(4) For the purpose of subregulation (3), the Authority may deem other aerial contraptions to be aerial devices.
RECREATIONAL FLYING
78A(1) No person shall conduct any flight for the purposes of recreational flying unless such person has complied with the relevant standards and requirements notified by the Authority for such types of flights.
(2) Any offence against subregulation (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Towing, picking up and raising of persons and articles.
OPERATION OF PILOTLESS AIRCRAFT
82.An aircraft capable of being operated without a pilot shall not be so operated except with the authorisation in writing of the Authority and in accordance with such conditions as may be specified in the authorisation.
RECREATIONAL
Bringing a drone to Fiji for personal and recreational use is straight forward, registration is currently free of charge. There is a Drone registration form for Recreational flying in Fiji called OP137. To save you the hassle, I have provided the download below. Complete the CAAF OP137 form and hand it to Customs when you arrive and show them your drone. (Prefer you make two copies of the form, so you retain one copy after the Customs officer has signed for it). After approval, please carry your form whenever you operate your drone in Fiji.
Email your completed CAAF OP137 form to Drones@caaf.org.fj
In case you forget to bring the form, Customs will give you a form to fill when you are in the baggage collection area.
Note
PLEASE HAVE YOUR OP137 FORM WITNESSED.
COMMERCIAL
For the Commercial Permit to be issued, the following documents needs to be submitted:-
(i) Application Form CAAF OP-138 / Invoice- (attached)
(ii) Letter of Intent to accompany your Commercial Permit’s application highlighting the period of the project, intentions and area of use
(iii) Liability Insurance Cover for damage or injury to Person(s) and Property over which you will be flying your drone. The insurance cover period could determine the length of the permit.
(iv) The CAAF will also require your Drone Pilot to have attended a certified Basic Drone Pilot’s Course from a recognized body.
So far, there is only one drone training service in Fiji provided by Drone Services – Fiji. They provide a basic training programme with an approved certification by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia which is acceptable to the CAAF.
Email your completed CAAF OP138 form to Drones@caaf.org.fj
Note
RPAS Application fee FJ $212.55 must be paid prior to final review of application documents and issuance of Permit.
Upon receipt of payment and all documentation the authority will start the process of your application.