SUA (DRONES AND FIREWORKS) SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVAL SEASON 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nicoela (Nikki) McCoy

Deputy Director-General Economic Reg. & Admin

Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands

P.O. Box 10277 APO, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, BWI

Tel: 345-949-7811, ext. 224; Fax: 345-949-0761

SUA (DRONES AND FIREWORKS) SAFETY DURING THE FESTIVAL SEASON 2023

George Town, Grand Cayman, (April 28, 2023) – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) would like to remind the public of the risks to aviation and public safety in general which come from the flying of small unmanned aircraft (also known as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles) and firework displays which are received as presents or used as a part of the carnival and music festival activities.

For a brief summary, please watch our SUA Safety video: https://youtu.be/XLWbgzpLoLI

Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA)

Each operator is legally responsible for the safe conduct of each flight. Prior to each flight be sure that your drone is undamaged and all components are working. Drones must be kept within your direct sight at all times and it is your responsibility for avoiding collisions with other people or objects. Do not fly your unmanned aircraft in any way that could endanger people or property.

As a protective measure, “no‐fly” zones, were introduced in February 2015 and it is illegal to fly an unmanned aircraft within 3 nautical miles of Owen Roberts International Airport (Grand Cayman), Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (Cayman Brac) and Edward Bodden Airfield (Little Cayman) without a specific written permission issued by the CAACI. In addition, a “no fly” zone has also been established around HM Prison Northward and it is illegal to fly an unmanned aircraft within 1 nautical mile of the Prison perimeter without the specific written permission of the Director of Prisons.

To operate your drone/SUA for commercial purposes, the operator must be in possession of a current permission issued by the CAACI. Permission will ensure the competence of the operator to provide a safe service and will require him/her to be medically fit and hold “adequate third-party liability insurance”. Any organisation or individual undertaking commercial aerial work without such permission may be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $3,400. The application for a Permission to undertake aerial work should be made on the application form which can be found at the following link:
https://www.caacayman.com/wp-content/uploads/LIST%20OF%20REQUIREMENTS%20FOR%20CAACI%20SUADRONE%20PERMISSION.pdf

Any company requesting the use of a drone/SUA for aerial footage for commercial purposes should ensure that the operator is approved by the CAACI. A full list of all approved drone operators can be found here: https://www.caacayman.com/wp-content/uploads/pdf/SUA-Operators.pdf

The CAACI is responsible to the Governor, for the oversight of the use of Small Unmanned Aircraft (SUA)/drones in the Cayman Islands as identified in the legislation of the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2013, Article 73. The above national regulations have been developed for the use of SUA/drones, in keeping with the legislation, and identify the requirements applicable to the operation of these aircraft in the Cayman Islands.

Please see our ‘Safety Drone Video’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xR8JIDwb_38

Fireworks and Light Displays

Firework displays can vary from small domestic events to major commercial or ceremonial displays whilst light shows include all outdoor laser and searchlight displays. The associated risk posed by these events is increased when the activities take place in the vicinity of aerodromes, particularly during critical phases of flight including approach, landing and take‐off. Organizers planning firework and light displays during the coming season are reminded of the legal requirement under Article 165 of the (AN[OT}O 2013) to coordinate their proposed events with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) in order to prevent potential threats to aircraft operations.

Coordination with the CAACI is required for all firework activity that takes place within 3 nautical miles of an airport or under the approach and departure paths. Firework displays outside this area where the display height is expected to exceed 200ft above ground level must also be coordinated with the CAACI. Proposed laser and searchlight events within the same areas are similarly subject to coordination with and approval by the CAACI.

Firework, Laser and Light displays which come into this category must be formally approved in advance by the CAACI and will incur the appropriate fee, as per the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order Fees Regulation 2010.