Drone Laws in Malta: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are becoming increasingly popular for recreational and commercial use. However, it is important to be aware of the drone laws and regulations in place before flying your drone in Malta.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to drone laws in Malta, including the different drone categories, requirements for flying a drone, permitted and prohibited areas for drone flight, and tips for safe and responsible flying.

Drone Laws in Malta: An Overview

Drone laws in Malta are regulated by Transport Malta. The following is a summary of the key drone laws in Malta:

• Drones must be registered with Transport Malta before they can be flown.
• Drones must be insured.
• Drones must be flown within your line of sight.
• Drones cannot be flown higher than 120 meters above the ground.
• Drones cannot be flown within 5 kilometers of an airport.
• Drones cannot be flown within 1 kilometer of a military base.
• Drones cannot be flown over people or animals.

Drone Categorization in Malta

Drones are categorized into three different categories in Malta based on their weight and capabilities:

• Category A: Drones weighing less than 150 grams fall under this category. These drones are considered low-risk and do not require any specific certification or registration. However, pilots are still required to follow the general rules and regulations for drone flight.
• Category B: Drones weighing between 150 grams and 25 kilograms fall under this category. Pilots flying drones in this category are required to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) from the Civil Aviation Directorate (CAD). Additionally, drones in this category must be registered with the CAD and display a registration number on the aircraft.
• Category C: Drones weighing more than 25 kilograms are classified under this category. Pilots operating drones in this category must obtain a Remote Pilot License (RPL) from the CAD. These drones must also be registered and display a registration number.

Drone category	Requirements for flying	Permitted and prohibited areas
Category A (less than 150 grams)	No specific certification or registration required	Open spaces, parks, and designated flying areas
Category B (150 grams to 25 kilograms)	Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) from the CAD required	Open spaces, parks, and designated flying areas; commercial operations require additional permits
Category C (more than 25 kilograms)	Remote Pilot License (RPL) from the CAD required	Open spaces, parks, and designated flying areas; commercial operations require additional permits

General requirements for flying a drone in Malta:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must have liability insurance coverage
• Must fly within visual line of sight
• Must not fly within 5 kilometers of an airport or heliport without obtaining prior authorization
• Must not fly over private property without permission
• Must not fly over people or crowds

Prohibited areas for drone flight in Malta:

• Airports and heliports
• Military installations
• Other sensitive areas, such as government buildings and power plants

Guidelines for commercial drone operations in Malta:

• Pilots must obtain the necessary permits and licenses from the CAD
• Commercial drone operations are subject to certain operational limitations, such as flight height and distance restrictions
• Commercial drone operators must have liability insurance coverage that meets the requirements set by the CAD

Penalties for violating Malta’s drone regulations:

• Fines
• Confiscation of the drone
• Imprisonment in some cases

Tips for safe and responsible drone flying in Malta:

• Familiarize yourself with the regulations
• Conduct pre-flight checks
• Maintain visual line of sight
• Respect privacy

Requirements for Flying a Drone in Malta

To fly a drone in Malta, pilots must meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

• Age and certification requirements: Pilots must be at least 16 years old to fly a drone in Malta. For drones in Category B, pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate (RPC) from the CAD. For drones in Category C, pilots must obtain a Remote Pilot License (RPL) from the CAD.
• Insurance requirements: Pilots are required to have liability insurance coverage for any damage or injury that may occur as a result of drone flight. The insurance coverage must be valid for the duration of the drone flight.
• Equipment requirements: Drones must be equipped with a unique identification number, which can be obtained through the registration process. Additionally, drones must have a functioning GPS system and a return-to-home feature.

Registration Requirements for Drones in Malta

To register your drone with Transport Malta, you must create an account on the Transport Malta website and submit the following information:

• Your name and address
• Your contact information
• The make and model of your drone
• The serial number of your drone

You will also need to pay a registration fee. The registration fee is €10 for drones weighing less than 25 kilograms and €25 for drones weighing more than 25 kilograms.

Insurance Requirements for Drones in Malta

Drone insurance is not required by law in Malta, but it is highly recommended. Drone insurance can protect you from financial liability in the event of an accident.

There are a number of different drone insurance policies available in Malta. When choosing a drone insurance policy, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The type of drone you have
• The value of your drone
• The type of coverage you need

Flight Restrictions for Drones in Malta

There are a number of flight restrictions in place for drones in Malta. The following is a summary of the key flight restrictions:

• Drones cannot be flown higher than 120 meters above the ground.
• Drones cannot be flown within 5 kilometers of an airport.
• Drones cannot be flown within 1 kilometer of a military base.
• Drones cannot be flown over people or animals.

Drone Flight Height and Distance Restrictions in Malta

In Malta, there are specific height and distance restrictions for drone flight. These restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of other aircraft, people, and property.

The maximum height for drone flight in Malta is 120 meters (400 feet) above ground level. Drones must also maintain a minimum horizontal distance of 50 meters (164 feet) from people, vehicles, and buildings. Additionally, drones must not be flown within 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) of an airport or heliport without obtaining prior authorization.

Best Practices for Flying a Drone in Malta

In addition to the drone laws and flight restrictions in place, it is also important to follow best practices for flying a drone in Malta. The following are some tips for best practices:

• Fly in daylight hours.
• Avoid flying in windy conditions.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid flying near obstacles.
• Keep your drone within your line of sight at all times.

New Drone Laws in Malta for 2023

There are a few new drone laws that came into effect in Malta in 2023. These new laws include:

• Drones must now be equipped with a remote identification system.
• Drones cannot be flown over crowds of people.
• Drones cannot be used to deliver goods or packages.

Conclusion: Drone Laws in Malta

Drone laws in Malta are relatively simple and straightforward. By following the drone laws and flight restrictions, you can help to ensure that you fly your drone safely and responsibly.

I hope this updated content is helpful. Please let me know if you have any other questions.