Quick & Easy Guide to Philippine Drone Laws,

Cer cates, and Registra ons (2021 Updated)

Relevant acronyms/terms:

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) — or Drone is an aircra operated with no pilot on board. A UAV operator is a
person, organiza on or enterprise engaged in, or o ering to engage in a UAV opera on.

Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) — a remotely piloted aircra , its associated remote pilot remote pilot
sta ons, the required command and control links and any other components as speci ed in the type design. (Usually
for commercial use.)

1. Do I need a permit, license, or be certified to fly drones in the

Philippines

You don’t need a permit and are not required to register your drone to y recreationally. If you want to pilot a
small drone for fun around your property, go ahead

However, there are some regions in the Philippines such as Davao City with local laws that require
registration. We always recommend to register your drone even if it’s not required by the CAAP to avoid trouble
like this, be CAAP-certi ed, and as a safety precaution
You need a license, speci cally a RPAS Controller Certi cate (for yourself or your pilot), RPAS Registration
Certi cate (for your drone), and an RPAS Operator Certi cate (for your business) from the CAAP if you plan
to
• Operate drones commercially (ex: start a business for aerial photography/videography or construction
surveying
• Fly big drones that weigh more than 7 k
• Fly in restricted conditions such as going inside restricted air space, conducting night ights, ying over
populated areas, and going above maximum altitude (these also require special ight permits
You can nd the requirements to be certi ed by the CAAP and for the commercial use of drones in question 12.
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2. What kind of drones can I use as a hobby?

If you want to do it as a hobby and don’t have any credentials or formal drone training, then you are only
allowed to use small UAVs that weigh 7 kg or less (around 15.4 pounds). Most consumer-level drones
you can buy are under this category and won’t be a problem

Remotely piloted aircraft that weigh more than 7 kg need to be registered with the CAAP rst, AND you
need to get a Controller Certi cate before you can y them

There are more requirements if your drone weighs 150 kg or more. You’ll need a Special Certi cate for
Airworthiness and an Experimental Certi cate.

3. Can I y my drone anytime?

No, you are only allowed to y during day time when the sky is well lit (no night ying after sunset and
before sunrise).

You can also only pilot your drone as long as you have a clear view of it and where it’s going (within your
visual line of sight). This also means no ying during bad weather because rain and fog can hide your
drone.
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4. What are no- y zones I should avoid?

The biggest no- y zones are airports. You need to stay clear at least 10 km from their area of operation
which can extend beyond the actual airport property

Highly populated areas are also considered no- y zones. This includes

• Schools and universitie

• Malls and market
• Any place with large public gathering

You also must also avoid places with controlled or restricted airspace like

• Government buildings (ex: Malacanang Palace

• Military base
• National parks (may sometimes require a permit from the local park supervisor

5. How high can I y my drone?

You can y up to the maximum altitude of 400 feet above ground level (around 122 meters). You need
approval from the CAAP to go higher

Take note that this measures the distance between your aircraft and the ground directly below it as it ies. If
you take off from a hill, building, or any elevated space then you need to adjust down your ight path when
you go over lower ground because you will violate the maximum altitude

Again, you must follow visual line of sight (VSOL) rules. Do not go behind buildings, large trees and
other structures like billboards that will block your view and signal to the drone

6. How many people must be in a place to be considered a

populated area?
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 The CAAP does not give a solid number for this so it is your responsibility to use good judgement.

Remember that the point of the rule is for safety. The more people, the higher the chances someone will
get hit if your drone malfunctions or crashes

Anywhere there is a crowd or likely to develop a crowd is a populated area. That includes most streets in
the city. It also covers concerts, sport events, and other performances.

7. Can I take pictures of my subdivision/condo/barangay?

You can take photos and record video as long as you follow all the rules above and respect people’s
privacy. Don’t go into private property or record private places

Remember that subdivisions and residential areas are considered populated zones that drones are
not allowed to y over. The Of cer-in-Charge of the Regulatory Standards Development of the CAAP, Frank
Marty, even said during their latest webinar last October 2020

“There are several reports from authorities and sightings of drones in residential areas. This poses risks not
only to the safety of the residents, but also to their privacy and security.”

Keep your distance or else you risk getting penalized by the CAAP

8. What are the drone safety rules, regulations, and limitations for
hobbyists?

You are required to follow the rules below if you are not certi ed by the CAAP and do not have a special
ight permit

• Only use small drones that weigh 7 kg or les

• Only y during daytim
• Maintain visual line of sight (don’t y farther than where you can see it
• Ensure your aircraft is at least 30 meters (around 98 feet) away from other people not involved in
the drone operation at all time
• Stay away from populated areas and restricted or controlled airspace like schools, markets,
government buildings, and army base
• Stay at least 10 km away from airport
• Limit your altitude to a height of 400 feet maximu

Check (https://youtube.com/watch?v=va3I4S7HgDg) for a summary video of drone safety regulations in the

Philippines made by the CAAP
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 9. Can I get penalized for violating drone safety regulations?

Yes

You may be ned anywhere between P20,000 and P100,000 for each violation of CAAP rules, even if you
are only doing it as a hobby or recreationally

Watch this video by Dodeca Drones on the Do’s and Dont’s of ying and operating your drone (https://
youtu.be/RM40d2LCMek

10. I’d like to start my own business for drone photography and
videos. Is that allowed?

Yes, it’s perfectly ne to provide these services as a business as long as you have
the necessary permits and certi cates for commercial use

11. What is considered commercial use?

The CAAP considers “any job or project that is done for remuneration” as a commercial operation

In other words: if you’re making money from it, then it’s commercial and you need a certi cate

Examples of common commercial services include

• Aerial photography and videograph

• Structural safety inspection
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 • Topographic surveys and mapping

• Agricultural surveys to monitor crop healt
• Security surveillanc

12. What are the requirements for commercial use of drones?

You rst need to get the following 3 things before you operate

• Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAS) Controller Certi cate – This proves you have enough skills
and knowledge to safely operate remotely piloted aircraf
• RPAS Operator Certi cate – This recognizes your business has suf cient safety policies, well-
trained staff, and proper facilities and equipment to provide drone service
• RPAS Certi cate of Registration – This document assigns of cial registration numbers to your
aircraft that certi es them as t to us

13. How do I apply for the RPAS Controller Certi cate?

Applying as a drone pilot or controller is easy and the licensing staff are very helpful, but it does take time.

Check https://philippinedronenetwork.com.ph/how-to-apply-for-drone-pilot-license-in-the-philippines/ for a

comprehensive infographic guide on how to become a licensed drone pilot

Here’s a short summary of what you need to be CAAP-certi ed drone pilot or controller

1. Prepare the following requirements and submit them in person at the CAAP licensing
department
◦ A certi cate from an authorized operator that shows you completed training with at least 5
hours ight tim
◦ Filled out CAAP Form #54
◦ Technical speci cations and photos (top, bottom, side, front view) of your aircraf
2. Get a Routing Slip from the licensing staff and let them guide you through the next steps that
includes taking the knowledge test
3. After you pass the written test, you will be given a Knowledge Test Report. Submit this report to
get a Skills Test Permit and schedule
4. Show up on your scheduled day and pass the Skills Test. You can now apply for the Controller
Certi cate by submitting
◦ Knowledge Test and Skills Test result
◦ 2 1×1 picture
5. Pick up your certi cate after 5 working day

The Licensing and Certi cation Department address is located at the CAAP Annex Building, Old MIA
Road, Pasay City. You can contact them at licensing@caap.gov.ph
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14. How do I apply for the RPAS Operator Certi cate?

Below are the steps to get your business certi ed to use drones commercially

1. Submit a Letter of Intent to the Flight Standard Inspectory Service (FSIS) Assistant Director General
II, together with the Pre-Application Statement of Intent (PASI) For
2. Optional: You may choose to schedule a meeting to discuss the process and requirement
3. Wait for FSIS approval. Once accepted, they will give you a list of additional requirements about
your business, staff, policies, and facilities to submit. These may include
◦ User’s manual from the manufacturer of your RPA
◦ Operations manual from your organizatio
◦ Training manual from your organizatio
◦ Civil Aeronautics Board Franchise (for agricultural purposes
◦ Lease/Service Contract (between contractor and agriculture company
◦ RPAS Insurance/Third Party Liabilit
◦ Special Certi cate of Airworthiness (if applicable
◦ SEC or DTI registratio
◦ RPAS Certi cate of Registration from CAA
◦ Photocopy of your primary Controller Certi cate and their resum
◦ Organizational char
◦ Pictures of your facilities and equipmen
◦ Copy of the of cial receip
4. Submit the documents, then wait again for FSIS to check if your documents are complete and if
your organization meets their standards. If accepted, your organization will undergo several
inspections
◦ Safety inspection of your facilities and equipment
◦ Organizational inspection of your staff and management responsibilities
◦ RPAS inspection where you will demonstrate your services while they observe and evaluate
your operational and safety policies and procedures (ex: do you follow the ight procedures
in your manuals
◦ Personal inspection of your quali cations if you are able to meet your responsibilities
5. If you pass all inspections, you will then be given nal certi cation.
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 15. How do I register my drone and get a RPAS Registration

Certi cate?

Getting your drone of cially registered can take 15 days to process, so make sure you do it right the rst
time. The steps are

1. Write a Letter of Intent addressed to the Of cer in Charge of the Flight Standards Inspector
Service (FSIS) of the CAAP, submit it in person to their of ce and have the original copy marked as
received. Make sure you include:
◦ Your purpose for registratio
◦ Technical speci cations, model, and serial number of your aircraf
2. Compile the following required documents while you wait a few days to a week for CAAP to
respond
◦ Notarized and completed registration form (call CAAP for the latest version
◦ Technical speci cations of your dron
◦ History of ownership (only for leased units
◦ Proof of ownership (ex: invoice or af davit of ownership
◦ Insurance Policy for Third party liabilit
◦ Original DTI Certi cate or SEC corporation documents (if applicable
◦ Secretary’s Certi cate (for corporations
◦ Import document (customs release certi cate if your drone was held by customs
◦ RPAS Operator Certi cate (if you have one already
◦ Registration fee of P1,500 + 12% tax if it’s your rst registratio
3. Wait a few working days, then call CAAP and ask for your registration marking number
◦ Get a permanent waterproof sticker with your registration marking made and place it on your
drone and the controller. This marker must be clear and visible at all times so make it big.
◦ Print out colored photos of your drone that show the markings and serial number from
multiple angles
4. Return to CAAP with your drone and get your registration marking reservation approval
letter. Submit this letter with the other required documents, pay the registration fee, then have your
drone inspected
5. Call CAAP and ask for an update of your registration when it gets close to 15 days. Return to their
of ce and pick up your Certi cate of Registration when it’s ready
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16. Where can I ask other questions about drones and other
remotely piloted aircraft in the Philippines?

For any questions or clari cations, send the relevant department of the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines directly below

Primary Email: aaiib@caap.gov.ph

Flight Standards Inspectorate Service: fsis_chief@caap.gov.ph

Licensing and Certi cation Department: licensing@caap.gov.ph

Regulatory Standards Department: rsd@caap.gov.ph

Phone: +63 2 7944-2142  or 7944-214
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 Proposed Drone Regulation Ordinance of Davao Cit

As of November 30, 2020, approved for third and nal reading. No ordinance yet available on the web

Davao City’s proposed ordinance is to regulate Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Remotely Piloted Aerial
Units (RPAU), and Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS)

PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE: as a preventive measure against possible terrorist attacks using drones
since they can be used as weapons by terrorist groups and criminals. Regulation of all drones operating or
ying in the city for the safety of all Dabawenyos

PRE-REGISTRATION: owners shall undergo orientation to educate them on the restricted zones or the
City’s “No- y zones”, the aerodome that is more or less eight to ten kilometers away from the airport, and
other regulations to be implemented

REGISTRATION: Once passed on its third reading and approved by the Davao City Mayor Inday Sara
Duterte all drones will be required to register with the Public Safety and Security Command Center
(PSSCC) for regulation before it will be allowed to operate within the territorial jurisdiction and airspace of
Davao City

PSSCC: mandates PSSCC to manage the periodic registration of all drones and RPAS operated by private
persons, used for non-commercial, hobbyists, recreational and/or sports purposes, within the city, with the
assistance and coordination of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP)-Davao City Of ce

All drone and RPAS owners already registered with CAAP or those owned and operated by government
agencies need to present their registration to PSSCC for documentation purposes

Operators who will fail to register, falsify their registration permit, transfer or tamper their submitted permit,
will be penalized

MILITARY PERSONNEL WITH DRONES: no need to register their drones because these drones are used
for environment scanning, rescue missions for evaluation of critical areas, and peace and order

PROHIBITED DRONE ACTIVITIES: No person shall also be allowed to operate their drone, whether
registered or unregistered, in prohibited or restricted airspace, no- y zones, or other areas prohibited by
law or regulation, unless speci cally permitted by the proper government authority exercising control or
jurisdiction in a certain area

PENALTIES: For non-registration, or transfer, falsi cation, or alteration of issued registration, they will be
penalized of P3,000 for rst offense, and con scation of drone, and P5,000 ne for the second offense

For operating in "no- y zones" or prohibited or restricted airspaces, the drone will be immediately
con scated and will be penalized of P5,000
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