Parks Special Permit – Small Unmanned Aircraft (Drone Use)

Any person aged 16 or older wishing to fly a small unmanned aircraft (SUA) in a Bermuda national park, whether for personal, media, or commercial purposes. If the SUA is being used for aerial work, commercial gain, or authorised public distribution, you must also obtain Aerial Work Permission from the Department of Civil Aviation before applying for a parks permit.

Contact the Department of Parks directly to begin your application at (441) 236-5902 or email parksdept@gov.bm. You will need to provide your driver's licence number, the SUA serial number, and details of any approved BCAA SUA operator if the flight is for commercial purposes.

For standard applications, contact the Department of Parks as early as possible before your intended flight date. For commercial use, submit your BCAA Licence, licence number, and client contract to the Department of Parks at least five days in advance to allow a senior authorised officer to grant permission.

Fees must be paid at the time of booking. Additional fees incurred will be invoiced.

By applying for an SUA permit, you agree to the following conditions. Failure to comply may result in legal action under the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986, the 2009 and 2017 Amendment Acts, and the Bermuda National Parks Regulations 1988 and 2018.

General compliance. The permit holder must conform to all applicable policies and laws, including those of the Department of Parks and the Department of Civil Aviation.

Commercial use. If the SUA is being used for aerial work, commercial gain, or authorised public distribution, Aerial Work Permission from the Department of Civil Aviation must be obtained before a parks permit will be issued. Only approved BCAA SUA Operators are permitted to carry out commercial activities such as media and advertising work in national parks. A National Parks SUA Permit is still required even where BCAA approval has been granted. For commercial permission, submit your BCAA Licence and Number along with a client contract to the Department of Parks at least five days in advance.

No-fly zone. There is a 2 nautical mile no-fly zone around L.F. Wade International Airport. Operators must be aware of and comply with this restriction at all times.

Operating hours. The SUA may only be operated between sunrise and sunset.

Permit validity. This permit is valid only for operation over public parks and beaches under the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986, 2009 and 2017 Amendments. The permit expires on 31 December of the year it is issued and must be carried by the permit holder at all times when operating over national park lands.

Observer. A designated observer is recommended and may serve as the permit holder when the SUA is being flown by another operator.

Park Rangers. Park Rangers and authorised officers, under the protection of the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986, the 2009 and 2017 Amendment Acts, and the Bermuda National Parks Regulations 1988 and 2018, may without a warrant and upon asking — examine any permit or document, inspect anything being used in connection with the activity, and request the name and address of anyone believed to be involved in a breach of the Act.

Your consideration of other park users helps ensure Bermuda's national parks remain a place of recreation and enjoyment for everyone.

For more information, contact the Department of Parks at (441) 236-5902 or email parksdept@gov.bm.