Transport Malta is considering changes to its proposed regulations on drone use, including amending a blanket ban on flights within 7.5 kilometres of the airport.

Captain Charles Pace, a member of the Transport Malta board, told Times of Malta the changes were being considered after a public consultation revealed concerns about the extent of the restrictions.

The draft legal notice, first published in February, proposed limiting the use of drones to specific “designated areas” as well as providing for registration, insurance, airworthiness tests and training for operators.

Capt. Pace, however, said the authority was reconsidering aspects of the regulations in light of the public consultation. The main areas of contention include the limiting of drone flights to specific designated areas, rather than simply prohibiting use within defined no-fly zones, as well as banning all flights within 7.5 kilometres of the airport.

The restriction, drawn from similar regulations in other countries, would result in operators not being allowed to fly anywhere within a wide arc encompassing the whole southern portion of the island. 

Capt. Pace added that changes would also be made to ensure a clearer distinction between hobbyists and commercial operators. 

More in Times of Malta and the e-paper on timesofmalta.com Premium.

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