Zambia to start regulating use of drones

Zambia's aviation authority said on Friday that it has drafted regulations aimed at regulating the use of remotely piloted aircraft system commonly known as drones.

The National Civil Aviation Security Committee said this has been prompted by a huge challenge that drones pose to the safety and security of aircrafts.

Sepiso Zimba, public relations manager of the Civil Aviation Authority said the situation has been compounded by the fact that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has not yet developed regulations that could enable safe use of drones, according to state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.

According to her, ICAO has only developed general guidelines on the use of drones which she said were not sufficient to the safety and security of aircrafts.

Despite the absence of ICAO standards, the development and use of drones was on the increase worldwide hence Zambia's decisions to develop regulations.

The regulator has since embarked on a program of engaging drone users and those that intend to use them to sensitize them on the regulations that have been developed.

A national consultative meeting will be held next week to roll out the regulations and get feedback.

Source: XINHUA