Ground Controlled Area Evidence for Cross-Border Operations

In plain language

If you are applying for a cross-border drone operation (CBO) and rely on a Ground Controlled Area, you must submit proof of its establishment (including local municipality permits) to ANAC beforehand, or your authorization will not be issued.

Requirement as structured

ANAC's local-conditions guidance states that, for operations over terrain in public, semi-public or private areas or over territorial and internal waters, UAS operators must submit to ANAC in advance documentary evidence establishing the ground controlled area, including the relevant authorisations, the geographical area and the period of validity; otherwise the cross-border operation authorisation will not be issued.

Original regulatory text

Controlled ground area in public, semi-public spaces over the terrain or over the sea or rivers (internal waters) In case of the need to implement a ground controlled area (enforced area where uninvolved persons cannot access) in public places, or if the operator requires a public road closure permit issued by the City Council ( the list is available on this page) in order to ensure the enforcement of the ground controlled area, the involvement of the Polícia Municipal, Polícia de Segurança Pública or Guarda Nacional Republicana could be required.<brNote that there is an authorization issued by the municipality to close a public space and then you could need policeman to ensure proper enforcement (depends of expected population density). Is unlikely that an UAS operator have the resources and the authority to ensure a ground-controlled area in public urban areas or festivals where is expected assemblies of persons.<brTo establish a Ground Controlled Area (GCA) over territorial or internal waters, such as rivers, the operational risk assessment shall include the implementation of appropriate mitigations. In particular, the operator shall obtain prior authorization from the competent Local Maritime Authority (Capitania do Porto) whenever the operation is conducted in coastal areas, beaches, harbour entrances, harbour shelter areas, or inland waterways and GCA is required.<brWhere the Local Maritime Authority authorizes the establishment of the GCA over the relevant water area, such authorization may be used as evidence that civil maritime navigation will be restricted or prevented within the GCA during the approved period of the operation.<brUnless documentary evidence demonstrating the establishment of the GCA is submitted to ANAC in advance,including the relevant authorizations and the specific geographical area and period of validity, for operations over terrain in public, semi-public or private areas, or over territorial and internal waters (e.g. rivers or harbours), the CBO authorization will not be issued.<brIn the absence of such evidence, ANAC will consider that no effective Ground Controlled Area has been established for the purposes of the local assessment output. https://anmp.pt/municipios/municipios/municipios-de-a-a-v/<br<brNote: To appraise a ground-controlled area you should demonstrate that you are able to implement it and ensure enforcement. If in urban environments in public places your local assessment should include the mitigations should be supported by the required authorizations (municipality) and evidences.<br

Applies when

operation

BVLOS