Certification and licensing

Basic requirements and procedures

What certificates or licences are required to operate drones and what procedures apply?

Article 31 of Annex I of the National Administration of Civil Aviation (ANAC). Resolution 885/2019 sets forth that a drone operator who wants to operate commercially requires a CE-VANT certificate, which specifies the class of drone and the type of operation.

Article 55 of the Resolution also sets forth that a drone pilot needs a competence certificate, whose requirements include being of legal age in Argentina, which is 18, passing theoretical and practical training, and having medical certification.

ANAC Resolutions 11/2021 and 13/2021 approved the standards of the certifications, with consideration of the Argentine Civil Aviation Regulations.

Taxes and fees

Are certification and licensing procedures subject to any taxes or fees?

ANAC Resolution 730/2017 set forth fees of 1,100 Argentine pesos for authorisation as a member of the remote crew and of 2,700 pesos for the authorisation of drone operation.

Eligibility

Who may apply for certifications and licences? Do any restrictions apply?

According to article 55 of Annex I of ANAC Resolution 885/2019, to obtain the certifications and licences, the following requirements apply. One must:

  • be over 18;
  • be able to read, speak and understand Spanish;
  • possess a Class 4 aeronautical medical certification;
  • have completed the instruction in a certified civil aeronautical instruction centre; and
  • have passed a theoretical exam of basic aeronautical knowledge.
Remote pilot licences

Must remote pilots obtain any certifications or licences to operate drones? If so, do the relevant procedures differ based on the type of drone or operation?

Yes, remote pilots must obtain a certificate of competence, complying with the following requirements:

  • be over 18;
  • be able to read, speak and understand Spanish;
  • possess a Class 4 aeronautical medical certification;
  • have completed the instruction in a certified civil aeronautical instruction centre; and
  • have passed a theoretical exam of basic aeronautical knowledge.

 

Article 57 of Annex I of ANAC Resolution 885/2019 sets forth that the certificate of competence will allow the operation of A, B, C or D drone classes (fixed wing, rotating wing, aerostats or captive).

Foreign operators

Are foreign operators authorised to fly drones in your jurisdiction? If so, what requirements and restrictions apply?

Yes, according to article 62 of Annex I of ANAC Resolution 885/2019, foreign operators are authorised to fly drones in Argentina.

If the foreign operator has a certificate of competence from its country, it must be filed with ANAC. The authority will validate the certificate if it has been duly apostilled and translated into Spanish by an Argentine authorised translator. A foreign operator may also request an Argentine certificate, following the requirements established in article 55 of Annex I of ANAC Resolution 885/2019.

Certificate of airworthiness

Is a certificate of airworthiness required to operate drones? If so, what procedures apply?

According to article 9 of Annex I of ANAC Resolution 885/2019, the accreditation of an airworthiness certificate will not be required for the user of drone classes A, B, C and D for their registration.

For the registration of Class E drones, ANAC will verify if the drone meets the conditions to operate in safe mode.

Law stated date

Correct on

Give the date on which the information above is accurate.

11 August 2020.