Media

With an expected increase in the sales of drones in Ireland this Christmas, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) urges all owners to register drones weighing 1 kg or more and invest in quality training on how to use the drone safely.

Ralph James, IAA Director of Safety Regulation, said that “With the expected growth in the sales of drones over the Christmas period, the IAA must ensure that drones are used properly and in safe locations. They also need to ensure that they don’t cause harm to people or property, or interfere with other forms of aviation.”
 
“If you purchase a drone over 1 kg you are required to register it with the IAA and you need to be aware of your responsibilities. You must operate your drone  in a safe and responsible manner and in full compliance with the regulations,” he said.  

Registration of drones weighing 1 kg or more is a mandatory requirement. Over 6,000 drones and model aircraft have been registered with the IAA over the past year. 
 
The legislation prohibits users from operating their drones:

•if it will be a hazard to another aircraft in flight;
•over an assembly of people;
•farther than 300m from the operator;
•within 120m of any person, vessel or structure not under the operator’s control;
•closer than 5km from an aerodrome;
•in a negligent or reckless manner so as to endanger life or property of others;
•over 400ft (120m) above ground level;
•over urban areas;
•in civil of military controlled airspace;
•in restricted areas (e.g. military installations, prisons, etc.);
•unless the operator has permission from the landowner for take-off and landing.
 
You can find more information on the safe operation of drones on our website and register your drone via www.iaa.ie/drones.  You must be at least 16 years of age or older and drones operated by those under 16 years of age must be registered by a parent or legal guardian. There is a nominal €5 fee to register.