In the airspace of Mexico City Drone shows are being held more and more frequently. This weekend a drone show was held in the vicinity bullring altitude restricted areas for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS); But does this pose any risk to manned aircraft?
According to Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) And this Ministry of Communications and Transport (SCT) Operating drones at airports, airports and heliports is prohibited; as well as dangerous, restricted and federal areas such as building shutdown He national palace He Palace of Fine Arts He Monument to the Revolution And this supply center,
according to the dji.com portal, where you can consult maps that specify the areas safe to fly the drone, in which it is prohibited and those with restrictions; area in which bullring Its flight height is limited to 150 meters, so remotely piloted aircraft can take off or participate in the show if they do not exceed that height.
Although CDMX has no history of accidents involving RPAS with manned aircraft, they can endanger passengers and aircraft cargo if drones violate restricted areas, such as between an American drone and a Russian fighter plane Confrontation over the Black Sea, which took place in March. 2023, and similar occurrences, were reported in countries such as Spain.
What are the requirements to fly a drone in CDMX?
NOM-107-SCT3-2019, which establishes the requirements for operating an RPAS in Mexican airspace that:
- RPAS are classified as micro (2 kg or less), small (2,001 kg to 25 kg) and large (25 kg or more).
- When drones weigh less than two kilos, they do not need a permit; While from 2,001 to 25 kg, they need to process an operating permit issued by Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC).
- In case of drones over 25 kg, another permit has to be processed before the DGAC verifying age of majority and Mexican nationality; In addition, they must have a certificate of instruction issued by a center recognized by the aeronautical authority.
