Drone Rules for V37V+7X Manaus, State of Amazonas, Brazil
You can legally fly your drone at Encontro das Águas, as the airspace is completely open for responsible use. To ensure a safe and successful flight, you must register your drone with ANAC/ANATEL, log your flight plan on the SARPAS system, keep a safe distance from all river vessels and boat traffic, and strictly monit
The airspace over the iconic Encontro das Águas near Manaus is open to responsible drone flight operations under strict safety guidelines. This unique geological phenomenon, where the black waters of the Rio Negro meet the sandy-colored waters of the Rio Solimões, offers an unparalleled opportunity for aerial photography and cinematography. To ensure safety, pilots must exercise caution, as this area is a busy navigational corridor for river vessels and local transport.
Regulatory Framework & Permissions: Drone operations are allowed for recreational and landscape capturing. All operators must ensure their aircraft is properly registered with ANAC and ANATEL, and flights must strictly follow DECEA regulations (ICA 100-40) for unmanned aircraft.
Flight Authorization & Coordination: Standard recreational flights do not require specialized environmental permits, but you must log your flight path and request clearance via the SARPAS portal. For professional, commercial, or documentary media productions involving boats or filming over busy river traffic, obtaining prior authorization is recommended, especially if operating from private vessels.
Geofencing & Flight Conditions: The area's coordinates are not blocked by permanent firmware-level Red Zones, meaning your aircraft will unlock and take off normally. However, pilots must be exceptionally careful with river winds and air currents that can change suddenly over the water. Additionally, the extreme glare from the water surface can interfere with obstacle avoidance sensors (VPS).
Environmental & Access Restrictions: To keep your flights legal, drones must never disturb wildlife (such as dolphins or river birds). Operators must maintain a safe distance from boats, ferries, and vessels to protect public safety and privacy. Never fly directly over vessels without clear line-of-sight and control of your aircraft.
Legal Penalties: Flying a drone recklessly over river vessels, harassing local fauna, or operating without proper SARPAS logging will lead to immediate flight termination by local authorities. Violations are subject to equipment confiscation, heavy administrative fines, and criminal prosecution under Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code if airspace safety is compromised.