Ankara (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Are you an avid drone flyer? Do you like to take photos and videos with a drone? The good news is that flying a drone is completely legal in Turkey. However, we recommend you should be aware of all the rules and regulations to fly it. Turkey’s national Aviation authority allows drone flying if you abide by the laws. If you are traveling to Turkey anytime soon, it is best to know about the regulations. It will help you save yourself from trouble while you can enjoy flying a drone as well.
General Rules For Flying A Drone In Turkey
The national aviation industry in Turkey has set some rules to fly a drone in their country. The following are based on research and interpretation of those laws. Here are some general rules for flying a drone in Turkey:
- All drone pilots who are fond of flying a drone must pay attention to the weight of the drone. It should not be more than 500 grams.
- You have to register your drone with the Turkish Government before flying it
- The national aviation authority will give you the required approval if your documents are valid
- Commercial drone pilots have to make sure that they cannot fly a drone above 120 meters which is 294 feet
- Your drone must not weigh more than 4kg that is 8.8 pounds
- If you are planning to have private or personal drone flights keep an eye on the surroundings
- Drone flyers will not be allowed to fly a drone in public areas. Moreover, you cannot fly a drone over historical sites and other buildings
- It is legal to purchase and fly a drone in Turkey
- You can take certain UAVs to Turkey without getting permission from the custom office
- The model aircraft must be presented carefully
- If you have a small UAV that is below 4 kg it is allowed to fly in a less crowded area
- The speed of the drone has to be under 50 km/h. While the height of the flight must be under 100m
- You can fly a small drone in open areas for recreational and sports purposes
How To Take A Drone Through Customs In Turkey?
You will be surprised to know that foreign nationals cannot register a drone in Turkey. If you take a drone with you, the custom will seize them. You need to take permission and technical confirmation from the Turkish DGCA.
It is easy to apply for technical confirmation by using Form-336. This form is available in the forms section of the Turkish DGCA website. Additionally, you have to submit your criminal record from the embassy. If everything looks favorable you can take your drone and clear the customs as well.
Turkish citizens who want to bring a UAV through customs must have a Technical Compliance Certificate. Your application form must have all the details regarding you and the drone. Once the UAV has passed you will be allowed to take or fly a drone in Turkey.
Rules For Recreational Drone Flyers
If you are flying a drone for recreational purposes don’t forget to follow these rules:
- You need to follow the general rules of drone flying that are set by the Aviation Authority
- Recreational drone flyers cannot fly a drone higher than 120 meters above ground level
- All the UAVs lesser than 25 kg don’t need to have a permit before flying
- If you are using a drone for commercial use like sports activities and other purposes, you may need a permit
- It is easy to get registered and get flying permission with safety
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Additional Rules & Notes For Foreign Operators
Here are some rules for foreign drone operators:
- You can send your request to the General Directorate of Civil Aviation with the help of diplomatic channels
- When you want to fly a drone in Turkey make sure you take permission at least 20 days before your flight. All you need is to fill out the UAV Flight Permit Request Form. You can download the form from the official website of DGCA
- Being a foreigner you cannot register for a drone in Turkey. Moreover, insurance is also compulsory. This is why you must insure your drone before bringing it into the country
- Drone flyers have to prepare the necessary documents and send them to the General Directorate. It is necessary to find out the insurance amount before you apply for the permission
- In case you want to get flying permission, it is necessary to obey the laws set by Turkish AIP
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