Laws News 15 June 2025 - 21 July 2025

The Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) is the primary agency regulating drone use in Qatar. Drone flights require prior authorization from the QCAA, and casual hobby flying is effectively prohibited without permission. Recreational drone use is limited to Qatari citizens and residents who obtain a QCAA permit, with tourists unable to fly. Drone registration has been mandatory for all drones since 1 October 2021, with separate forms for individuals, companies, and government entities. Commercial drone operations require a QCAA permit and registration by a Qatar-registered company, with proof of insurance mandatory. The maximum permitted altitude is 400 feet (approximately 120

In May 2025, ANAC issued Resolution 319/2025 introducing RAAC Part 100, modernizing drone rules and adopting the Latin American Aeronautical Regulations (LAR) to replace Resolution 880/2019. Recreational drone pilots in Argentina may fly without a license, but must be at least 18 years old (16–17 may fly only under adult supervision). Recreational flights are limited to 120 meters in altitude, must be kept in visual line of sight, must be conducted in daylight with good weather, cannot fly over crowds, and must stay at least 5 kilometers from any airport; FPV without a spotter is not allowed. Hobby drones are

Since 31 December 2020, Ireland follows EU drone rules (Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945) enforced by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). Drones are categorized by risk as Open, Specific, and Certified, with Open and Specific covering most operations today. Operator registration is required for drones 250 g or heavier or any drone with a camera, costs €40 for five years, and yields a visible Operator ID. Open-category pilots must complete online training and pass an A1/A3 certificate, with an additional A2 theoretical exam and practical practice to obtain an A2 certificate. Maximum altitude is 120 meters above ground level, and BVLOS

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) regulates drones under Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Regulations, which came into force on 1 July 2015. The 2023 amendments renamed the Remote Pilot Licence to Remote Pilot Certificate and updated related terminology, while core licensing requirements remained largely the same. The legal maximum altitude is 120 meters above ground level, with recreational pilots typically advised to stay under 50 meters unless explicitly authorized. Drones may not fly within 10 kilometers of any airport or airfield without SACAA approval and coordination with air traffic control. All operations must be conducted in Visual

Royal Decree 517/2024, enacted June 25, 2024, overhauled Spain’s drone laws to fully align with the EU and introduced an Interior Ministry urban-flight notification, while operator registrations now last 3 years. Urban-flight notification requires informing the Interior Ministry at least 5 days before any flight in an urban area such as Barcelona. The Geographical Zones system replaced the old 8 km airport rule, with the ENAIRE map showing red and yellow CTR areas around El Prat that require ATC clearance for flights. AESA operator registration is mandatory for any drone 250g+ or with a camera, yielding a visible Operator ID