Heed this $230,000 warning: Be sure to acquaint yourself with drone regulations before embarking on your travels

Heed this $230,000 warning: Be sure to acquaint yourself with drone regulations before embarking on your travels

In the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, an incident unfolded during a popular festival that serves as a stark reminder for drone enthusiasts. A British traveller, unaware of the local drone regulations, found himself facing a substantial fine of approximately €200,000 (around $244,000) for flying a camera drone illegally at the event.

The festival, known for its vibrant atmosphere, allowed only three drones: the festival's own, two National Police drones for security operations. However, the pilot's drone, traced back to a four-star hotel, Hotel Las Aguilas, was not one of them.

James Artaius, with 25 years of journalism experience, has been the head of Digital Camera World for 7 years. Artaius, who has extensive knowledge on cameras of all makes, expressed his concern, stating, "It's crucial to check drone legislation in the country you're planning to visit, even for recreational use."

Under European Union rules, anyone planning to fly a drone must register as an operator, receive appropriate training, and take out an insurance policy. For travelers flying drones in the Spanish Canary Islands, which follow Spain's and the EU's drone regulations, you must register as a drone operator with AESA (the Spanish civil aviation authority) if your drone weighs 250 grams or more or has a camera. You must also complete free online training, label your drone with your operator ID, have civil liability insurance, and strictly avoid flying over crowds, urban areas, near airports, or protected zones without special permission. Flights must stay below 120 meters altitude and maintain visual line of sight.

Violations can lead to heavy fines, sometimes reaching up to €200,000 (around $244,000), especially for flying illegally during crowded events such as the Virgen del Carmen festival in Tenerife.

For those considering purchasing a drone, it's essential to familiarise yourself with the regulations of your destination country. Researching the best drones for beginners, the best drones for kids, and the best budget drones can be a good starting point, but understanding and complying with local laws is paramount.

In summary:

| Key Rules for Travelers Flying Drones in Canary Islands (Spain) | |---------------------------------------------| | Register as operator with AESA if drone ≥ 250 g or has camera | | Complete AESA's free online training | | Label drone with operator ID | | Have civil liability insurance (strongly advised) | | Fly below 120 m, maintain visual line of sight | | Avoid urban areas, crowds, airports, protected areas | | Heavy fines for violations, potentially exceeding €200,000 |

This incident acts as a broader wake-up call to those who intend to travel with a drone to other countries. Always remember, understanding and complying with local drone laws is crucial to avoid hefty fines and ensure a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

1. James Artaius, a seasoned journalist with 25 years of experience, emphasized the importance of checking drone laws in countries one plans to visit, even for recreational use.
2. In the Spanish Canary Islands, which follow EU and Spain's drone regulations, it's mandatory for drone operators to register with AESA if their drone weighs 250 grams or more or has a camera.
3. Those traveling to the Canary Islands and planning to fly a drone must complete free online training offered by AESA, label their drone with their operator ID, have civil liability insurance, and adhere to specific flight regulations to avoid hefty fines.
4. Flights must stay below 120 meters altitude, maintain visual line of sight, and avoid urban areas, crowds, airports, protected zones without special permission.
5. Violations of these regulations, particularly during crowded events like the Virgen del Carmen festival in Tenerife, can result in fines reaching up to €200,000 ($244,000).

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