CAAB, BAF permission needed to fly drones

Bangladesh Air Force has asked young researchers to abide by ‘regulations’ and curb their enthusiasm to fly drones.

Inter Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) in a press release on Thursday said researchers would require permits from Civil Aviation Authority, Bangladesh (CAAB) and Air Force before test flying drones or remote controlled planes/ helicopters.

All forms of flight activities within Bangladesh’s airspace are controlled by fixed regulations of CAAB and Air Force, the ISPR said.

It expressed concern over the ‘fatal risk’ these light aerial vehicles could pose to military and civil aircrafts if flown beyond ‘fixed sky limits’.

“It is imperative to inform the aviation matters to Bangladesh Air Force as it is responsible for securing the Bangladesh’s airspace.”

“The drones will require permits to fly or else it can cause accidents to other aircraft,” ISPR Assistant Director Md Nur Islam told bdnews24.com.

“The routes on which they are flying the drones are not permitted for it.”

Once they were informed, the CAAB and the Air Force would determine routes for the test flights of drones, he said.

SM Nazmul Anam, director of CAAB’s Flight Safety and Regulations Division told bdnews24.com that any form of flying machine would need their approvals.

“We are not talking about those toy flying objects which can gain height of only 5 to 10 feet. A drone is bigger and more powerful.”

“They might have fitted with cameras and can fly up to 100 to 200 feet. Those will definitely require permits.”

About conducting test flights he said, “A lot of people who are flying these don’t know the rules. But we must be informed. A low-flying helicopter could be crossing the area at that moment, what happens then?”