A 40-year-old British man is facing a 30,000 euro fine after he filmed the popular Correfoc (festival of fire) event in Palma last month with an unlicensed drone in a restricted area.
A police officer spotted the "drone pilot" close to the Paseo Mallorca in central Palma flying his drone over the Correfoc. The officer asked the man to stop which he did and then he enquired whether he had a licence to film using the drone, which he allegedly didn't.
The officer then told the Briton that he was filming in a restricted area and therefore he could have broken data protection rules.
The Briton protested his innocence but the officer told him that he faced a big fine. There are strict laws and regulations regarding the use of drones in Mallorca.
Interestingly enough the local police forces are now starting to use drones for crowd control. A fleet of drones will be on duty in Magalluf this summer.
6 comments
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AmbergrilloWhat was wrong in my comment? Just curious to know.
It is a shame police don't care about drones flying over beaches...
@Darwin D. Hi Darwin. You are correct to say that there are many places in Mallorca that prohibit drones. But all that you say is not so. I am a certified and licensed drone pilot for many years now and know the laws and I follow them. On the other hand, many of the law enforcement officers do not know the laws that govern drone use either, as you have read in this article. So even if you are flying legally, you could get hassled. But I still enjoy taking my drones out for a spin every now and then. Cheers
AmbergrilloDrones are prohibited in Majorca everywhere in residencial areas. Also all coastline and Tramontana area is forbidden. As well 12 km range around all 4 airports. This guy was just really stupid and ignorant.
Silly sod.
Flying a drone in Palma for fun or without the proper permits is not allowed because it is in restricted airspace becaues of the close proximity of the airport. He is in big trouble. And should be.