Drone Regulations: Bolivia

In the Plurinational State of Bolivia the Civil Aviation Authority, Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC), through Regulatory Bulletin Nº AAP-0149/2019 (Nº DGAC/042/2019) dated 30 April 2019 defines UAS as aircrafts.

• Civil Aviation Law Nº 2902 of 29 October 2004;

• Bolivian Aeronautical Regulation 91; and

• Regulatory Bulletin Nº AAP-0149/2019 (Nº DGAC/042/2019) dated 30 April 2019.

The Plurinational State of Bolivia has issued, through the Civil Aviation Authority, Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC), Regulatory Bulletin Nº AAP-0149/2019 (Nº DGAC/042/2019) dated 30 April 2019, that establishes the norms for flight, operation and registry of unmanned aircrafts whose weight is above 250 grams.

“State UAS” (Armed Forces, Customs and Police) are regulated by Regulatory Bulletin Nº AAP0149/2019 (Nº DGAC/042/2019) dated 30 April 2019; however, these must adjust their operations to what is established under Law Nº 2902 (Civil Aviation Law).

Yes, there is a distinction between leisure operations and aerial work operations and, in both cases, Regulatory Bulletin Nº AAP-0149/2019 (Nº DGAC/042/2019) applies for their regulations. Within aerial work operations it is important to consider that aerial photogrammetry operation with a UAS www.salazarbolivia.com LA PAZ: Edificio Fujita, Piso 2, Calle Francisco Iriarte Nº 5000 | Achumani / Central: +591.2.279.6282 SANTA CRUZ: Edificio RoLea Center, Oficina 2E, Calle “J”, Nº 120 l Equipetrol Norte / Central: +591.750.00334 requires a specific authorization from the National Service of Aerial Photogrammetry (SNA) as per article 164 of Law Nº 165. UAS with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) equal to or above 6kg will have to request an express authorization for each flight or series of flights.

No, there is not such distinction; nonetheless it is mandatory for fully automated UAS to have the possibility to switch into manual controls (with the respective pilot) at any given time

Negligent or reckless operation of a UAS: a) All UAS operations must be done in a manner that does not put in danger the safety of aviation operations, persons and property on the ground. b) The person operating the UAS must immediately cease the operation when the safety of aviation operations, persons and property on the ground is present. c) The operation will not be reassumed as long as the conditions that generate the risk are still present. Responsibility of the operation: a) The person that operates the controls of the UAS is responsible for the general operation of the same during all of the flight. b) Pilots under 18 years of age may operate the UAS as long as the pilots is in the company of an adult and, in this case, the absolute responsibility of the operation will be fall on the person that has guardianship of the minor. Psychophysiological aptitude of the operator of the UAS: No person can operate a UAS if they are: a) Under fatigue or if the operator considers that he could suffer effects of fatigue during the operation. b) Is under the influence of alcohol or substances that could affect his physiological faculties to operate the controls of UAS in a safe manner. Restrictions of the operation:

Yes, an absolute prohibition prevents one pilot to operate more than one UAS simultaneously.

For all UAS with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) equal or above 250 grams the owner or pilot at distance must obtain a registration number from the CAA on-line. For all UAS with a weight equal or above 6 kg. up to 10Kg. the owner or pilot at distance must pay a fee to request the registration on-line. When the UAS weight is above 10Kg. the owner must appear in person before the CAA in order to request the registration. The minimum age to request the registration is 18 years of age.

Only for UAS that have a weight equal or above 6 kg. up to 10Kg must pay a fee.

Only for UAS that exceed a MTOW of 250 grams a registration before the CAA is required

This is not yet detailed in the regulation project.

This is not yet detailed in the regulation project.

The regulation project prohibits the launch, spray or mist from a RPA unless authorized by the CAA. Also, no hazardous materials may be transported nor shall laser lights will be used on an RPA.

This is not yet detailed in the regulation project.

The regulation project established that in case of loss of link with the RPA the operator mustfollow the manufactures procedures and, furthermore, in case of loss of link in the surrounding area of an airfield, operator must communicate such loss -immediately- to the relevant authorities.

This is not yet detailed in the regulation project.

This is not yet detailed in the regulation project.

This is not detailed in the regulation; however, UAS with a MTOW of up to 6kg must notify the authorities -via email- at least 12 hours before such operation and; UAS of over 6kg must request permission -via email- to the authorities with at least 72 hours in advanced.

• UAS with an MTOW equal or above 250gr must obtain a register number via an online register before the CAA.

• UAS with an MTOW equal or above 6kg and up to 10kg must obtain a register number via online and pay a small fee for such registration before the CAA.

• UAS with an MTOW above 10kg must be registered, in person, by the owner at the CAA offices.

Any operator/owner who is, at least, 18 years old.

The aforementioned age limitation

Maintenance must be performed as per the manufacturer’s specifications. Pre-flight inspections must be performed (battery levels, visual inspections for damages in the hull) Inspect there is no evidence of radio interference that may affect the flight.

Maximum of 122 meters AGL and at a distance of 9 kilometers of any airport or military base. It will be the CAA who will determine the no-fly zones and the RPAs cannot be operated in areas that are densely populated and at 150 meters of an edification, person or vehicle unless they are directly related to the operation.

This is not detailed in the regulation; however there is a prohibition for the operation of UAS from moving vehicles.

Please refer to our response on item 23.

Please refer to our response on item 23.

Please refer to our response on item 23.

This is not detailed in the regulation.

This is not detailed in the regulation.

This is not detailed in the regulation.

Any UAS accident/incident must be reported, within the first 72 hours, to the CAA, via online form.

This is not detailed in the regulation

Regulation does not specify the indemnity sums/limits and restricts to mention that the operator, at the time of authorisation is requested, must have proof of an adequate civil liability insurance.

This is not detailed in the regulation.

This is not detailed in the regulation.

This is not detailed in the regulation.

There are no applicable general state aid rules.

There are no applicable general state aid rules.