Drone Rules for Manaus Air Force Base
Critical No-Fly Zone covering Ponta Pelada Aerodrome (SBMN). All unauthorized drone flights are strictly prohibited within this airspace to eliminate severe collision risks with military rotary and fixed-wing tactical aircraft, logistical transport missions, and general government aviation.
Ponta Pelada Aerodrome (SBMN), situated along Avenida Rodrigo Otávio in the Crespo neighborhood of Manaus, is a historical and highly active military airfield. Functioning as the operational heart of the Manaus Air Base (BAMN), it hosts critical Brazilian Air Force (FAB) squadrons, including transport and rotary-wing units that carry out tactical deployments, humanitarian aid, environmental monitoring, and medical evacuations deep within the Amazon rainforest.
Because SBMN is embedded directly within Manaus's dense urban infrastructure, its traffic corridors weave right over heavily populated neighborhoods, primary avenues, and the nearby industrial district. Military helicopters and transport aircraft constantly execute low-altitude visual (VFR) and instrument (IFR) approaches, final landings, and tactical takeoffs here. Any uncoordinated drone activity in this immediate sector introduces an extreme risk of a catastrophic mid-air collision with low-flying aircraft. Spontaneous or recreational drone flights within the airfield perimeter or its active military traffic patterns are completely banned under federal and military law (Brazilian Penal Code, Art. 261).
Sources
Regulatory & Military Authorities: Department of Airspace Control (DECEA), ANAC, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
Primary Framework: ICA 100-40 (DECEA regulations on Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code.
Flight Planning Portal: Operational safety grids, military restricted zone parameters, and airspace restrictions are managed via SARPAS NG and Aisweb.