Drone Regulations in Rwanda: Opportunities and Challenges

Drone Regulations in Rwanda

Rwanda remains one of the countries privileged to experience a drone's goodness first-hand of all the countries globally. The surge of technology has done something prominent in Rwanda. And this did not stem out of the blue. But, from genuine concerns about important matters like health and issues, other countries have failed to tackle them.

All of which could have been handled better with a drone!

Yes! The influx of drones to Rwanda has been a source of blessing in specific and vital situations. But does that make it perfect? No! From what we have gathered, it puts the country in good light just as much as it demands more continuity and progress.

Hence, the country's need for a renewal of regulation now and then. It isn't unfair. Instead, it is progressive and a great way to ensure that drones' culture does not die unless there is a better alternative. So, anyone to operate a drone in Rwanda can't be at loggerheads with the regulations. They would instead follow every written constitution from the first to the last on the list:

Some of the key points covered in Rwanda's Drone Regulations as laid out by Civil Aviation Authority include ;

• Operators must first register the drones they want to use with the Civil Aviation Authority(CAA) before activities ensue.

• Twenty-one years is the legal age for drone Pilots in Rwanda. Anything less is unethical/ illegal.

• The pilot must be 300 meters away from the drone. Also, direct visual contact is encouraged between pilots and drones.

• All the functioning drones in Rwanda are insured

• The weight of drones in Rwanda is about 25 kilograms.

These regulations provide opportunities for people and help Rwandans afford so many things.

Opportunities under Drone Regulations in Rwanda

Only Rwandans are allowed to operate a drone in Rwandan:

It is independent of the nationality of the owners. In other words, anyone from any country is allowed to own a drone. But, for it to be in operation, it would need to be operated by a Rwandan. Somehow, this helps so many people keep their jobs. The more citizens of other countries and, of course, Rwandans register new drones, the more job opportunities for Rwandans.

Drones help to reduce traffic congestion

It is glaring that one of the advantages drones have over the usual means of transporting medical materials(Vehicles and bikes) is the fact that it does not have to contest with vehicles and bikes on the road.

Escaping traffic speeds up the transfer of whatever medical material they need. It is a perfect way to help save more lives. Don't we agree?

Now that we have had a field day about some opportunities the introduction of drones has brought to Rwandans, it is about time we also spoke on challenges they should expect to outlast. Because - believe it or not- some challenges come with some of these regulations.

Challenges for Drone Regulations in Rwanda

Lack of Awareness.

What is regulation if the people that benefit from it do not know of it? Ineffective!

The chance that the miscommunication between regulation enforcers and operators is to blame is high as the sky. Whatever the case, lack of adequate awareness poses a great challenge and causes significant setbacks in promoting the technology of drones in Rwanda.

Enforcement and Implementation Challenges.

Except we want to live in denial continually. It is about time we saw improper enforcement of regulations as the evil that it is. Law enforcers are seldom mindful of other factors when they are eager to enact rules. Other times, they are utterly clueless about what it entails to ensure that Rwandans and drone owners in Rwanda follow all the regulations as stated.

Ethics and misuse of Drones.

Regulators are concerned about getting drones from the right source -and rightly so- we cannot ignore the fact that companies produce armed drones. And since the regulation is not binding these drones, these mustn't be the drones people buy.

It has always been a challenge to make sure operators and owners of drones in Rwanda stay within the means of regulation as it concerns the procurement of drones.

Guess what is also equally troubling about the drive technology in Rwanda?

Well, that should be the probability that these drones will be misused. Between the excitement that the opportunities have inspired and worries about the challenges, one thing remains factual, Rwanda encourages drone technology and has improved regulations over the years.