As of 6 May 2019, Burkina Faso officially has a regulatory framework for the operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems. The document sets out the official conditions for the operation of remotely piloted aircraft systems, and is divided into two parts, namely Decree no. 20019/0013/MTMUSR/ SG/ANAC on technical conditions for the operation of civilian remotely piloted aircraft systems, and the document in annex specifying the technical conditions for the operation of civilian remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS).
The decree was drawn up and signed by the Minister of Transport, Urban Mobility and Road Safety of Burkina Faso, with the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) responsible for its implementation. It includes 15 articles, including the following: ‘The use of a civilian remotely piloted aircraft is subject to a permit or an operating authorisation issued by the National Civil Aviation Agency upon approval from the Ministries of National Defence and Security.’
‘The granting of the permit or operating authorisation is subject to the successful demonstration of the flightworthiness of the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and the aptitude of its remote pilot, subsequent to the admissibility of the application.’
The annex covers, inter alia, the rules of the air, markings and identifications of remotely piloted aircraft, aspects of training and training bodies for civilian remotely piloted aircraft systems, etc.
It should be noted that members of AfricaGoesDigital were involved at national level in amending the regulations before they were adopted. The decree is pending promulgation before the effective implementation of the regulations.
Authors: Diadoma Jean François Regis DIEBRE et Francis G. KABORE
