In just over a year since European Union (EU) rules for the safe use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) came into effect, 320 drone operators have been registered, the Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) told "News".
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that is piloted with remote signal transmission from the ground, or that flies on memorized tasks. Drones are used for civilian, but also for military purposes...
When it comes to violations, the CAA has issued fines for flights over gatherings of people that are not permitted without special approval from that institution.
The Agency reminded that the drone piloting exam is taken online, and the first step, they say, is user registration on the www.dron.caa.me application.
APPLICATION, EXAMS, REGISTRATION
The Agency emphasizes that registration is simple and free.
"After that, you can take the theoretical training and then take the exam. If you have achieved a sufficient number of points, you will automatically receive proof of passing the exam through the application. If, however, you do not achieve a sufficient number of points, you can take the exam again after an hour. The number of attempts is not limited. There are also exams that are taken if it is planned to use the drone at shorter distances than prescribed or if the operations fall into a more critical category. These exams are scheduled and taken at the CAA premises. The validity period is five years," the Agency said.
They emphasized that all operators of drones weighing more than 249 grams, or less if equipped with sensors to collect personal data, must register.
"Upon registration, the operator of a drone weighing more than 249 grams is required to submit an insurance policy against damage caused to third parties. If the validity period of this policy expires and the operator does not extend it, the operator's registration status becomes inactive. The registration is valid for two years, after which it is renewed. For riskier operations, such as flying over crowds of people, in the airport area, and the like, special approvals are required, and in addition to everything contained in the regulations, we are also available for additional information via email: dron@caa.me," they said.
INTENSIFY SURVEILLANCE
The Agency also says that they have tried and are trying to present the new rules to citizens and future drone users.
"Given that the new rules have been in effect since last year, it was necessary to take the time to familiarize drone users with them in detail. The Agency has strived to be always there for users through workshops for drone pilots and operators, continuous public announcements and presentation of the new rules to the public, as well as constant availability via email, to provide all necessary explanations and answers to questions."
They also emphasized that drone operators and pilots have had enough time to familiarize themselves with the new rules, so supervision is more intense.
"A significant number of operators and pilots have been prosecuted and fines have been imposed for non-compliance with regulations. This year alone, 12 have been prosecuted through inspection procedures, and seven pilots have been fined, five of which in the last few months. The fines are prescribed by the Air Traffic Act, in the amount of 500 to 2.000 euros...", they specified.
Using a drone for the purpose of unauthorized photography, publishing or displaying someone else's document, portrait or recording is, they say, a punishable offense under the Criminal Code of Montenegro.
"Any use of an unmanned aircraft for filming or photography, which can identify an individual, is subject to data protection legislation and must be sanctioned. The CAA continues preventive and other specific activities within our jurisdiction, in order to preserve the safety and security of air traffic, and therefore of citizens," the Agency said, adding that surveillance of drone operations is carried out "in accordance with the Air Traffic Act and the Inspection Supervision Act."
STRENGTHENING COOPERATION WITH MUNICIPALITIES
In addition to the Agency, a certain type of supervision is also carried out by the Police Directorate in accordance with the Agreement on Suppression of the Illegal Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
They emphasize that they will further strengthen cooperation with the competent municipal authorities - the municipal police.
The CAA also emphasizes that the inspector can issue a warning:
"And only if it is a first offense that does not pose a high risk to the safety of air traffic or people and property on the ground. This year, four warnings have been issued so far, in situations where there was no high level of risk."
When it comes to violations, the CAA has issued fines for flights over gatherings of people that are not permitted without special approval from that institution.
"Then flying in the controlled zone of Tivat or Podgorica airports without the approval of the competent air traffic control, or the airspace management unit (AMC of Montenegro), flying in zones where emergency interventions are underway - firefighting, without the approval of the competent intervention services...", they said.
The Agency points out that self-initiated drone operation "is not permitted near or within areas where emergency interventions are underway, without prior approval."
"Flying in national parks requires the approval of the National Parks of Montenegro, with evidence from the CAA of registration and, in cases where required, of passing the exam... Since the establishment of the new Rulebook, we have continuously called for compliance with regulations and raising the level of safety culture, and we see the media as partners in supporting the non-violation of regulations. Encouraging such a simple registration and exam procedure contributes to the goal of not endangering air traffic safety, as well as people and property on the ground. The Agency has invested significant resources to enable the digitalization of this process, which is completely free and simple for users. Every responsible flight contributes to greater safety and security in air traffic. Together, we are building a culture of safe and responsible use of drones," the CAA said.
The operator cannot be younger than 16 years old.
The Civil Aviation Agency reminded that operators registered in the European Union (EU) do not have to register in Montenegro.
"...On condition that they submit a certificate of registration from a member state, and the same applies when it comes to taking exams, certificates, approvals, etc., issued in EU countries. Earlier registrations and exams, which must be done again under the new regulations, were mostly done by foreigners, and now the positive trend is that the number of domestic operators registering is growing significantly."
The age limit for pilots from Montenegro and other countries is, they say, limited to 16 years.
"Regarding the import of drones, which includes bringing them into Montenegro, it is necessary to obtain approval for import and entry from the Ministry of Economic Development," they said.
Bonus video:
