An online portal launched for the secure use of drones

by Gozo News · November 10, 2020

An online and integrated drone portal system which will be facilitating processes executed by operators, such as quicker and easier flight plan submissions and better access to weather forecasts on the day of their intended flight, has been launched by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg along with Transport Malta.

He remarked that as a result of this system, the aviation sector will be benefiting from more efficiency, as among other things, the system will facilitate less use of complex machinery and equipment such as helicopters.

The Minister explained that this system will be utilised to make sure that both the implementation and execution of a robust regulation are practised so that human privacy and data protection are safeguarded. Furthermore, it will make sure that any damage caused to both humans and property is completely avoided.

He went on to say that law enforcement officers will be making sure that all drone operators hold a valid flight registration for all flight plans taking place whilst also ensuring that these same flights are approved and authorised by the Authority.

The Minister further spoke about the importance of committing to a high level of seriousness in order to make sure that drone flights are never subject to breaking the critical regulation relating to human privacy.

Moreover, drone flights will be prohibited from taking place near private properties, sensitive areas such as the embassies, government buildings and prison facilities, he added.

The EASA UAS (European Union Aviation Safety Agency – Unmanned Aircraft Systems) regulations come into force on the 31st of December 2020. These regulations classify UAS operations into three categories depending on the level of risk: open, specific and certified.

These regulations require registration of UAS operators, licensing of remote pilots, the member state to identify geographical zones restricted for UAS operations, and the member state to carry out market surveillance of drones.

The IDRONECT Drone Management System facilitates UAS operations in the Maltese airspace and compliance with the EASA regulations by providing an online system for the registration of UAS operators and a map indicating the permitted and restricted areas for drone operations, thereby enabling operators to submit flight plans as required.