Drones in Tonga: How to Register & What You Need to Know

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How to Get Your Drone Registration in Tonga

Planning to capture Tonga’s beauty from above? You’ll need to register your drone first! According to our travel manager, Robin, here’s the updated process for drone registration in Tonga:

In-person drone registration:

1. Visit the Civil Aviation Division (CAD) office. Bring:

• your drone
• a valid photo ID
• a proof of ownership/operation authorisation
• and any drone licences you hold (strictly required for Part 102 applications)

3. Fill out the Drone Registration Form available at the office.

Current Location: Civil Aviation Division (CAD) office, Alaivaha’amama’o & By Pass Road, Vaololoa, Nuku’alofa, Tongatapu.

The Ministry of Infrastructure building is located on Alaivahamama’o Bypass Road. After turning off Taufa’ahau Road at the corner with the Little India restaurant, keep going past the BP gas station and you’ll see the building clearly signed. The CAD office is around the back of the building, but you can ask the staff at the Land Transport Division office at the front to show you where to go.

2. At the CAD office, registration is instant!

Online drone registration:

1. Search for ‘Drone Registration form Tonga’, request the form via email, or download and print the Drone Registration form Tonga directly.

2. Email your completed application to dronetonga(a)gmail(.)com with:

• a photo of your drone showing the serial number
• a valid photo ID
• a proof of ownership/operation authorisation
• and any drone licences you hold (strictly required for Part 102 applications)

3. Online applications may take 3-15 working days to process, depending on the complexity of your application.

Remember, you might still need to deal with customs separately, depending on your drone’s intended use and value. The CAD isn’t responsible for customs queries, so contact customs independently for any related questions.

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The Tonga Drone Registration Form

Registering your drone at the CAD office requires you to complete a form, where it’s best to bring your passport and drone in order to get the information required. Otherwise, make a note of the following information from your drone so you have it available for completing the Drone Registration Form.

Information You Need to Know to Complete the Drone Registration Form

• Name of the owner and/or operators and their ID number (can be a passport number)
• Citizenship
• Contact phone number
• Certificates/licenses held for drone
• Address in Tonga (can state the accommodation you are staying in)
• Email address
• Drone manufacturer
• Model of the drone
• Serial number of the drone (can usually be found on the drone underneath the battery)
• Equipment installed
• Maximum operational height
• Maximum operational distance
• Battery life
• Total weight
• Locations where you intend to use the drone
• The purpose for using the drone (can be recreational if just taking holiday photos or state otherwise)
• Place of residence
• Departure date from Tonga.

Once you have completed the Drone Registration Form, the CAD officer with go through the Tonga drone rules (same as the ones stated below) with you. You will then sign and date the form, as will the CAD officer. The officer will also stamp the form if approved.

You can now legally fly your drone in Tonga.

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Rules for Flying a Drone in Tonga

Tonga has adopted New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Rules, including Parts 101 and 102 which regulate remotely piloted aircraft (drones). Any drone pilots in Tonga are required to know these rules and abide by them. Before you take to the skies, here’s a quick refresh on the essential dos and don’ts to ensure a safe and legal flight.

Dos of Flying a Drone in Tonga

• Always give way to manned aircraft
• Maintain continuous visual line of sight with your drone during operation (either with your own eyes or have a second person as an observer)
• Obtain consent from anyone you want to fly above
• Get permission from the property owner or person in charge of the area you’re flying over (unless it’s necessary to avoid imminent danger)
• Keep your drone below 120m (390ft) or the cloud base, whichever is lowest
• Exercise discretion in adverse weather conditions to ensure flight safety

Don’ts of Flying a Drone in Tonga

• Don’t fly low in public areas and roads
• Don’t operating aircraft 15 kg or larger without prior CAD approval
• Don’t fly at night unless you have CAD approval or it’s a shielded operation
• Don’t fly within 4 km of any aerodrome without prior CAD approval
• Don’t fly over restricted airspaces without prior approval from the relevant authority (see below for a full list)

For more detailed information on drone regulations and tips for a compliant flight, check out the New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Rules that Tonga has adopted.

(c) tongapocketguide.com

Restricted Airspaces in Tonga

It’s crucial to be aware of restricted airspaces in Tonga. Here is the full list of the fully restricted areas in Tonga. You are not allowed to fly in the below spaces unless you have prior approval from the relevant authority:

• Royal Palace – Vaha’Akolo Rd
• Royal Tombs – Laifone Rd
• Royal Residences – Taufa’ahau Rd
• Foreign Embassies, including:
  • Australian High Commission – Salote Rd
  • British High Commission – Vuna Rd
  • Chinese Embassy – Fangaloa Rd
  • New Zealand High Commission – Vuna Rd
  • Japanese Embassy – Salote Rd
• Within 4 km of any airport airspace, including:
  • Fua’amotu International Airport
  • Vava’u Airport
  • Eua Airport
  • Ha’apai Airport
  • Niuafo’ou Airport
  • Niuatoputapu Airport

Note about airport airspace in Tonga: Some of Tonga’s many islands are quite small, as a result, the vast majority of airspace over these islands may be restricted and you will be unable to fly there. Despite the low number of flights in the area, you should still adhere to these rules as enforcement is present. We’ve found that even in less populated areas, local authorities take airspace violations seriously. You will likely be asked several times to show your paperwork during your trip. We can’t stress enough how important it is to familiarise yourself with local regulations before planning any aerial activities in Tonga.

• Military Areas:
  • Taliai Military Camp – Fua’amotu
  • HMAF – His Majesty’s Armed Forces HQ – Nuku’alofa
  • Masefield Naval Base

Remember, always check for updates before flying, as regulations may change. Happy and responsible droning!