Aviation authority cautions against ‘reckless’ drone operations

The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has raised concerns over the increasing number of incidents involving the reckless operation of drones, also known as remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), in restricted public areas.

This comes after recent reports of drones being flown near airports, military bases, national parks and other sensitive zones. NCAA spokesperson Nelson Ashipala in a statement issued on Sunday warns that such activities not only endanger aircraft operations but also pose serious risks to public safety and national security.

“Drone flights in these areas are strictly prohibited without explicit authorisation. We are constantly receiving complaints of drone operators flying over private households, near aerodromes such as Eros Airport, and around private farms. These are transgressions we cannot tolerate anymore, and as an authority, we will be firm with those found doing this,” he says.

Ashipala reminds all drone operators, whether recreational or commercial, that responsible flying is a legal obligation.

He advises drone operators to approach the NCAA or visit the website to acquaint themselves with restrictions around drones.

While drones offer many opportunities in areas such as agriculture, research, tourism, and photography, he says these benefits cannot outweigh the dangers of unsafe and unlawful use.

Ashipala says protecting Namibia’s skies requires discipline and compliance from every operator.

As part of efforts to address these challenges, the NCAA will be rolling out the ‘Responsible Use of Drones’ campaign.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.