🖐 In this blog post we’ll share all drone law links & known rules around recreational & commercial drone uses in Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby). Give a 👍 at the end of this post if you enjoyed it & feel free to ask any questions or share your experience in The Forum. Keep in mind that the content below is updated to the best of our ability & does not replace official sources & your own research.
Recreational vs Commercial drone use in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea does not differentiate commercial & recreational drone use - see our post to differentiate recreational vs commercial drone usage. However, both are subject to restrictions & a strict code of conduct. Additionally, depending on your drone's weight & your destination within the country, different rules will apply.
✅ In Papua New Guinea, the regulation and control of drone use falls under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASAPNG) & they can be contacted anytime via:
Email: info@casapng.gov.pg
Phone: (+675) 325 7320
✅ Papua New Guinea doesn’t require a licence for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), including drones. However, all drone pilots must follow the Civil Aviation Rule (Part 101) given by the Civil Aviation Authority (CASAPNG) & apply to drones, which essentially requires they consider others and be responsible when flying.
✅ Papua New Guinea differentiates 3 categories of drone based on its weight:
Small: drones weighting less than 25 kg
Medium: drones weighting between 25 and 150 kg
Large: drones weighting more than 150 kg
Can I travel to Papua New Guinea with my drone?
✅ Currently, there doesn't seem to be any restrictions on bringing drones within Papua New Guinea (Port Moresby) as long as your import is considered as legitimate (generally one drone per person).
🚨 Be aware of the airline you purchase to travel as some main ones will only accept your drone on-board if its batteries are detached & placed in a firecase during travel time. Most airlines will have a battery voltage limit based on the recommendation of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You can find more info about a specific airline here.
Where can I fly my drone in Papua New Guinea?
✅ We did not find an official fly zone map for drones in Papua New Guinea "If you have more information about this, please let us on the Forum know anytime". Thankfully, app.airmap.io has listed all flight zones in a convenient way organised in a 3 colour legend:
Papua New Guinea Drone Fly Map
🦅 National parks & reserves are on a case by case permission & you might need to check directly with the local park or reserve authorities.
Recreational & Commercial Drone use in Papua New Guinea
✅ You do not need a permission or a license for drone recreational use in Papua New Guinea. However, there are strict rules depending on your drone's weight, your flight zones and a code of conduct to follow for all operators. When it comes to drone commercial use, you do not need a license but will need a permit than can be applied here.
Additionally, you must fly:
at a maximum altitude of 120 m above the ground and within sight at all times.
away from private property, vehicles in movement, people or large crowds & respect individuals' privacy. You will need a written consent from anyone and/or private property you intend to fly above.
a drone weighting less than 10 kg
at least 4 km away from airports (any airport, seaplane base or area where aircraft or helicopter take off & land) & give way to all other type of aircraft.
only during permitting weather and during daytime.
it is advised to subscribe to an insurance covering all risks.
away from areas where its use could interfere with police or first responders.
avoiding sensitive areas including government or military facilities.
🚨 If your drone weights 10 kg < 25 kg it might need to be inspected, approved & operated under the authority of an approved Person or Organisation - (Part 102) If your drone weights 25 kg+ then you will need to comply to Part 102 and obtain a license to operate a Medium or Large drone in Papua New Guinea.
✅ If you wish to fly outside above stated rules, you will also need to follow Part 102 permit.
How to apply for a permit to fly my drone?
Unfortunately the online copy is not available for the moment but the form you are seeking for is called CASA PNG Form CA 102 and you might obtain it by contacting info@casapng.gov.pg. We will update this paragraph as soon as we receive a copy. If you have any further information, please share it The Forum for all to know.
What do I risk for flying a drone illegally in Papua New Guinea?
The amount & scope of the fine will depend on the nature & severity of your infraction. The judges will also evaluate if you intentionally committed the infraction and/or if you had any commercial purposes to do such.
Once you got everything in order, you can start flying above Papua New Guinea's awesome landscapes & create videos like this one:
If you are considering getting your first drone or upgrade, feel free to check our recommendations in the travel page or click on the model you like below to get its full specs. Any purchase done from one of our affiliate links helps Dronemade stay free and available to all. Thanks for your support and safe flights ahead!
✅ Please leave a comment or update the Forum when you receive news and/or gain experience with your drone in Papua New Guinea! Have fun & safe flight!
Disclaimer: Although great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information researched, we take no responsibility for any loss, harm or damage caused as a direct or indirect consequence of relying on this information. It is your responsibility to seek advice from qualified local & relevant authorities for needed information about local drone regulations.
Other resource
Sources