To optimize the application channel for the unmanned aircraft activities, the Civil Aviation Authority (AACM) launches today the “Online Application for drone operation permit”. From now on, users of the unmanned aircraft can submit their applications if necessary through this new platform and check the approval status.
The unmanned aircraft has become popular as the operation helps industries to carry out a variety of tasks. In recent years, more and more people have had a better understanding of the legal requirements for the operations; more and more users have been adopting the unmanned aircraft operations in commercial filming and leisure. According to the statistics, the number of applications for drone activities received by AACM has increased tremendously from 718 applications in 2018 to 2098 applications in 2020. In view of the need to optimize the electronic platform to facilitate the applicants in the process, AACM started working on the online application for unmanned activities and officially launches it today. The platform link is https://uav.aacm.gov.mo. The applicant is required to create an account for access into the platform and login to submit an application. The platform allows the applicant to check the status of approval as well as download the approval document.
AACM states that the new platform is implementing its first phase as a starting point for the optimization of the service. AACM will add more automatic functions in the platform for enhanced service in the future. At this present moment, the applicant may still submit the application by email, fax, letter or in person if he or she wishes to adopt these traditional channels. However, the traditional channels will gradually be replaced by the all comprehensive electronic means in the future.
In accordance with Article 67 of the Air Navigation Regulation of Macau, the unmanned aircraft operations in the Macao air traffic control zone are restricted in a number of ways. If the drone user wishes to go beyond the restrictions as stipulated in the above regulation, he or she must submit the application to AACM and obtain the written authorization from the Authority before the operations can be performed.
