So you got yourself a shiny new drone and you want to take the airspace by storm. Well… it does get a little complicated you can not just take to the sky without reading up on a few local regulations. The Namibian airspace is governed by a local authority i.e Namibia Civil Aviation Authority or NCAA.
Despite the heavy laws out there against drone pilots in countries such as Nicaragua and many more you are not even allowed to bring your drone into the country unless it is registered prior to arrival. If you are traveling to Namibia you are allowed to bring your drone into the country. The department of civil aviation (DCA) has a few considerations regarding foreign drone pilots.
Private or hobby drone registration fee is N$ 1,200 or 100 USD more or less.
Commercial drone registration fee is N$ 4,500 or 320 USD more or less.
To fly a drone in Namibia as a foreigner for recreational purposes, you must obtain approval from the NCAA - . Foreigners must submit applications for approval to fly recreationally must be submitted at least 60 calendar days prior to the planned flight. Learn more about how to seek approval by the NCAA Website.
To fly a drone in Namibia as a foreigner for commercial purposes, you must obtain approval from the DCA. Foreigners must submit applications for approval to fly commercially at least 120 calendar days prior to the planned flight. Learn more about how to seek approval on the NCAA Website
General Rules for Flying a Drone in Namibia
According to Namibia’s national civil aviation authority.
Drones may not be operated in Namibia without the prior express approval of the NCAA. For personal or recreational use, Namibian citizens must submit applications at least 30 calendar days prior to the planned flight. For commercial use, Namibian citizens must submit applications at least 90 calendar days prior to the planned flight.
Do not fly within 5 nautical miles of National Parks or Game Reserves unless prior approval has been obtained by the Director of the Namibia Civil Aviation Authority.
Do not fly drones closer than five nautical miles from the boundary of an aerodrome.
Liability insurances is required before operating a drone in Namibia.
Visual sight must be maintained with the drone at all time.
Drones may not be operated in any weather that impairs vision.
Do not fly drones higher than 150 feet
Do not fly drones within a published controlled zone or air traffic controlled airspace.
Do not fly over large groups of people
Do not fly within 50 meters (164 feet) of any person, , vehicles, vessels, structures, or roads.
Do not use public roads as a place of landing or take off without proper authorization.
Do not fly in a negligent or reckless manner.
Drones may not be used to release, dispense, drop, deliver, or deploy items.
Contact Numbers
Office of the Executive Director +264 83 235 2100 | Deputy Director Safety +264 83 235 2351 | AGA +264 83 235 2362 AIR +264 83 235 2437/38 | OPS +264 83 2352460 | PEL +264 83 2352485 | ANSSO +264 83 2352385 | ADMIN +264 83 235 2170
AVSEC
(Tel) +26461 702201 | (Email) avsec@dca.com.na | Air Navigation Services | AIS Ms Hilma Leonard - Chief AIS Tel: +264 61 702084 | Fax: + 264 61 702088 | Cell: +264 812455813 | Email: caiso@dca.com.na