CAAP pushes for amendments in use of drones

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is amending regulations on the use of drone or remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in the country.

In a statement, the CAAP said it is in the process of amending its Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR) regulations on RPAS.

“An initial draft, which will substantially affect the current regulations that the CAAP has, has been created and is being improved to meet recent developments in the international aviation community to ensure safety.

The agency said it aims to release the amended and updated regulation by mid-2023.

The CAAP added it is collaborating with various government agencies to create and implement better policies that will make RPAS use safer for the public.

It is working with different government agencies, such as the Civil Aeronautics Board to update RPAS regulations and policies based on discussions at the International Civil Aviation Organization's Air Transport Regulation Panel.

The CAAP is also collaborating with other government agencies to further improve and enhance RPAS regulations.

The aviation sector regulator said it recently held a consultation meeting on March 29 with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to harmonize regulations on RPAS used for agriculture.

"CAAP is committed to enhancing drone regulations for the betterment of the public and the agriculture sector. We are working tirelessly with various government agencies to ensure that regulations on RPAS use are up to date and safe for everyone. We encourage the public to anticipate these developments as they will benefit the country in many ways," said CAAP Director General Manuel Antonio Tamayo.

In terms of educating the public on RPAS use and regulations, the CAAP said is actively coordinating with private stakeholders to intensify the information campaign on drones.

Several events are being prepared by CAAP in line with this goal throughout 2023, it said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News