🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known rules around recreational & commercial drone uses in the Cayman Islands (Georgetown). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in the Cayman Islands Drone Discussion Group. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are an overseas territory of the United Kingdom and whilst they have some points in common, flying a drone there isn't one of them. The Cayman Islands differentiate commercial & recreational drone uses. Both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weight & your destination within the country, different rules will apply.
✅ In the Cayman Islands, the regulation and control of drone use falls under the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAA) & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: civil.aviation@caacayman.com
Phone: (+1) (345) 949-7811
Mail: P.O. Box 10277 Grand Cayman, KY1-1003, Cayman Islands
Can I travel to the Cayman Islands with my drone?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Cayman Islands (Georgetown) as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
💡 Smart! Get your drone batteries' firecase today and make sure you're complying with aviation safety rules.
Where can I fly my drone in The Cayman Islands?
✅ The Cayman Islands shared a simple drone flight map showing flight restricted areas for recreational use mainly. The map is organised displays locations over the three islands that compose the English Dependency.
The Cayman Islands Drone Fly Map
🛬 Fly 5.5 km away from all three airports of the Cayman Islands (Owen Roberts International Airport (Grand Cayman); Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (Cayman Brac) and Edward Bodden Airfield (Little Cayman)).
🚔 Fly 1.85 km away from Her Majesty's Prison (HMP) located on Grand Cayman Island.
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities.
💡 Smart! Pack some spare drone batteries, you never know how close is the next power plug overseas. Also make sure you have a travel adaptor for Cayman Islands.
Recreational drone use in the Cayman Islands
✅ You do not need a permission or a license for drone recreational use in the Cayman Islands. However, there are strict rules depending on your drone's weight, your flight zones and a code of conduct to follow for all operators. When it comes to drone commercial use, you do not need a license but will need a permit than can be applied here.
Additionally, you must fly:
at a maximum altitude of 122 m above the ground and within sight at all times.
50 m away from private property, vehicles in movement, people (For landing/taking off reduced to 30 m) & respect individuals' privacy. You will need a written consent from anyone and/or private property you intend to fly above.
150 m away from congested areas or large crowds of people (1,000+ persons).
a drone weighting less than 20 kg
at least 5.5 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
only during permitting weather and during daytime.
it is advised to subscribe to an insurance covering all risks.
away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
💡 If you need practical training before taking off in the Cayman Islands, you can contact the local Model Flying Association. Its an organisation of local recreational flyers that may be able to provide information and training to those in need. You can contact them by:
Email: cimfa345@gmail.com
Facebook 😍
Commercial drone use in the Cayman Islands
🚨The Cayman Islands requires you to have a certificate to undertake any flight of commercial purpose. This can be obtained by completing this online form and return it to: civil.aviation@caacayman.com
How to apply for my certificate to fly my drone for commercial use in the Cayman Islands?
To complete your application and online form you will need to:
Provide an Operations Manual of your drone.
Provide evidence of formal training in UAV technology (🌏 If you hold a license form overseas it should be recognised but make sure it is translated in English).
Hold a Class 3 medical certificate or a medical fit declaration issued by an Approved Medical Examiners (AME) ( 💡Approved Medical Examiners are: Dr. Frank Glatz Alexander Place Dorcy Drive George Town (+1) (345) 945 3822 / Dr. Virginia Hobday Cayman Clinic 439 Crewe Road George Town (+1) (345) 949 7400 / Dr. Else Christoffersen Cayman Doctors West Shore Centre 508 West Bay Road George Town Phone: (+1) (345) 943 6363
Provide evidence of adequate third-party liability insurance
Pass an examination in air-law/Rules of the Air set and invigilated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI).
🕔 You will need to complete the above at lest 30 working days prior your scheduled flight
💡 Smart! Heading to the coast? Water glare is a killer when flying above coastal waters, make sure you have a lens filter before heading there.
💲 You will need to deposit KYD 2500.00 to cover the cost of the issue of an Aerial Works Certificate (KYD 1000.00) and up to 6 hours* work (at KYD 250.00 per hour) in assessing and approving the application.
Notes:
The 6 hours are an estimation from the CAA and it could change based on your case
If your permission is denied, the KYD 1000 for the certificate cost will be refunded but not the working hours spent on it.
✅ Once issued, your certificate will be valid for 12 months.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in the Cayman Islands?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above the Cayman Islands' awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
✅ Please leave a comment when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Cayman Islands! Have fun & safe flight! #cayman #caymanislands #islands #regulation #rule #rules #law #laws #legislation
💡 You're a local, have a question or want to share a travel experience? Head to our Cayman Islands Drone Discussion Group
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
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