Drone Warning Ahead of La Ruta Maya Race

The use of drones has become more prevalent—both for private and commercial use. Today, a notice was issued to drone operators by the regulatory body charged with oversight of aviation activities in Belize’s airspace. In its advisory, the Department of Civil Aviation says that the operation of drones are prohibited within a five mile radius of any public or private airport, specifically during this weekend’s La Ruta Maya River Challenge since the canoe race passes along the route of the river that falls within aerodromes.

Nigel Carter

Nigel Carter, Chief Operations Officer, Department of Civil Aviation

“The operation of drones in specific areas is not the best thing to do. We must protect the aircrafts that are landing at these aerodromes or airports and as such we are establishing specific areas that are prohibited and we are also issuing guidelines and the operations of drones throughout the rest of the route of the race.”

Duane Moody

“Those areas I believe are from Young Bank Village to Banana Bank Lodge and then from Burrell Boom to Haulover. Why the area in the west?”

Nigel Carter

“Well with reference to Young Bank Village to the Banana Bank Lodge, that area passes very near to the Belmopan Hector Silva Airport and the aircrafts are more frequent flight operations into the Belmopan airport and we felt it prudent to protect that.  With reference from Burrell Boom to the Haulover Bridge, obviously the international airport is located in the vicinity and that area must be protected as well.”

Duane Moody

“This applies for the media as well as private drone owners?”

Nigel Carter

“It applies to any user.”