The Civil Aviation Agency of Latvia (CAA) has allowed implementation of extensive restrictions on the use of airspace near the border between Latvia and Belarus from October 16th until the end of this year.
Airspace use restrictions come into effect at midnight on October 16th and will be in effect until December 31st. Airspace use restrictions are set from Lauderi near the Russian border zone to Medumi near the Lithuanian border zone, including such cities as Dagda, Kraslava and part of Daugavpils. The limits are set from the ground up to a height of 2895 meters.
The restrictions are necessary in order to successfully ensure the unhindered fulfillment of the tasks of the National Armed Forces (NBS) related to the use of manned aviation and unmanned aircraft on the border between Latvia and Belarus.
Unmanned aerial vehicles or drones not affiliated with the NBS are prohibited from using the airspace if they have not received permission to fly. Flights can be arranged at least one working day in advance with NBS headquarters. Information about the planned flight should be sent to mamc@mil.lv and afcp@mil.lv.
The CAA reminds that a warning or fine is applied for flying an unmanned aircraft in an element of the airspace structure without permission or approval, or near of certified airfields, without observing the flight distance from the airfield or the flight altitude, as well as in the airspace of the Republic of Latvia, without observing the permissible flight altitude fines for natural persons from 150 to 1,000 euros, and for legal entities from 500 to 2,500 euros.
The CAA reminds drone pilots to check that there are no airspace restrictions in place before flying. Information on the established airspace restrictions is permanently available on the website of "Latvijas gaisa satiksme" ais.lgs.lv.
For further information, please contact:
Aivis Vincevs
State Agency “Civil Aviation Agency”
Manager of operational situations
Phone: +371 60001672
e-mail: aivis.vincevs@caa.gov.lv