A man is facing an administrative sanction for flying an unauthorised drone during the procession of the Virgen del Carmen in Puerto de la Cruz (Tenerife) on 15 July, as reported by the National Police this Wednesday.
The flight was detected by police officers and the drone pilot was located at the Hotel Las Águilas, situated in the upper part of the port town, where the police went to carry out the necessary checks.
The officers identified the individual responsible and seized the aircraft, in addition to informing its owner of the relevant communication regarding the infraction to the Spanish Aviation Safety Agency (AESA).
The pilot, a foreign national, admitted to the police that he lacked a licence and liability insurance, and that he was unaware that in Spain there are a series of procedures and mandatory communications for carrying out such activities.
This individual is facing an administrative sanction due to the flight of his drone in an area of special sensitivity, as thousands of people had gathered to enjoy the festivities, alongside three professional drone operations recording the event as well as the National Police for security coverage.
In this regard, the National Police reminds that the use of drones is regulated by specific regulations and that non-compliance can lead to administrative and even criminal sanctions, especially when it endangers the safety of individuals or invades their privacy.
Thus, the Royal Decree regulating the civil use of unmanned aircraft systems stipulates that at least five days in advance, the necessary notification must be made to the Ministry of the Interior regarding the intention to conduct the drone flight in any urban environment.
Additionally, the AESA provides all the necessary information to enthusiasts of this activity to ensure clarity on where, when, and how they can make use of their aircraft without endangering people, property, or even aerial navigation itself.
