Drone Industry Association Challenges Civil Aviation Consultation Process

The Belize National UAS Industry Association (BNUIA), which represents drone operators and industry stakeholders across the country, is calling for greater transparency, fairness, and consultation in the development of new regulations being proposed by the Belize Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA). In a press release issued today, the association expressed concern over what it describes as an abrupt end to a collaborative review process involving a proposed Operational Directive governing drone operations in Belize. According to the association, stakeholders were only able to review 24 of the 55-page directive, before the consultation process was brought to a close.  The association claims that a workshop originally intended to span two days was reduced to a single day, limiting the opportunity for a comprehensive review of the document. It further alleges that requests to reconvene and complete the examination of the remaining sections were denied.  The group also contends that it was pressured to meet tight deadlines for submitting concerns and recommendations and says it ultimately delivered its remaining comments under formal protest. The association is arguing that several questions regarding the proposed regulations remain unanswered and that the process has generated uncertainty within the community of drone operators.  The association has also taken issue with what it describes as increasingly restrictive measures proposed for drone operators; an indication that could negatively impact innovation, technological development, and economic opportunities within Belize’s growing drone sector. In its statement, BNUIA called on the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Belize Department of Civil Aviation, and other government stakeholders to restore what it describes as a transparent and collaborative consultation process before the directive is finalized.