Drone Registration and Licensing in Georgia: A Legal Guide
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs or drones) in Georgia has increased dramatically for both hobby and commercial purposes. Whether for videography, agriculture, geodesy, or rescue operations, drones have become an integral part of modern business. However, to ensure airspace safety, the state strictly regulates their operation. Registering a drone and obtaining a permit (license) for specific categories of flights is a mandatory procedure, the violation of which leads to severe administrative sanctions. For many users, the labyrinth of regulations — "open" and "specific" categories, no-fly zones, and insurance requirements — is difficult to navigate.
Legal services in drone registration and licensing are designed for both individual operators and companies wishing to conduct commercial activities legally. The assistance of a qualified lawyer ensures that your drone is registered correctly, you have all necessary permits for complex flights, and you are protected from liability to third parties. This is particularly important for foreign companies wishing to provide drone services in Georgia.
What Does Drone Registration and Licensing Service Cover?
Lawyers and aviation experts working in this field offer clients a wide range of services ensuring full compliance with regulations:
- Electronic Registration: Registering the drone in the Civil Aviation Agency database, obtaining a unique identification number, and clarifying marking rules.
- Specific Category Permit: Preparing applications for "Specific" category flights (e.g., over crowded areas, Beyond Visual Line of Sight - BVLOS), requiring risk assessment (SORA).
- Operations Manual Development: Drafting the mandatory manual for commercial operators, outlining safety procedures.
- Flight Permits in Restricted Zones: Obtaining special permits for flights near airports or in restricted airspace (No-Fly Zones).
- Insurance Consultation: Selecting and finalizing mandatory third-party liability insurance conditions.
- Operator Certification: Assisting in the process of passing theoretical and practical exams for drone pilots to prove competence.
Common Situations and Needs
Legal issues related to drones often arise in the following situations:
- Filmmaking and Advertising: A production company needs to film with a drone in a crowded city center, requiring a special permit and coordination with the municipality.
- Agriculture (Agro-drones): A farmer wants to use large agro-drones for spraying, which requires specific regulations and high pilot qualification.
- Border Operations: A tourist or journalist wants to use a drone in a border zone, where strict restrictions apply and Border Police consent is needed.
- Drone Import: A company is importing a batch of drones for sale and needs consultation on customs procedures and certification.
- Incident and Fine: A drone operator was fined for an unauthorized flight and needs legal assistance to appeal the fine.
Georgian Legal Framework
Drone operation is regulated by the Air Code of Georgia and the normative act of the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency — the "Rule on Operation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems." This rule is harmonized with EU regulations (EASA) and establishes drone categories (Open, Specific, Certified). Additionally, the Code of Administrative Offenses is important as it defines fines for rule violations. Regarding personal data protection (during video recording), the Law of Georgia on Personal Data Protection applies.
The Process: How a Specialist Works
Collaboration with a lawyer begins with determining the operation type. The specialist analyzes whether the planned flights fall into the Open or Specific category. For simple registration, the process is quick and involves uploading documents to the electronic system. For complex permits, the lawyer prepares the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) and the Operations Manual. Then, communication with the Agency takes place until the permit is granted. If a flight is needed in a restricted zone (e.g., near an airport), the lawyer negotiates with Air Navigation (Sakaeronavigatsia) and security services to agree on a coordination mechanism.
Why Use Legal.ge?
Drone regulations are constantly changing and becoming more complex. On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers specializing in aviation law who are thoroughly familiar with drone operation rules. Do not risk confiscation of expensive equipment or high fines. Find a competent specialist on our platform to ensure your flights are legal, safe, and trouble-free.
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