Drone Rules for Praia Brava

Praia Brava (Angra dos Reis): Situated right next to the Almirante Álvaro Alberto Nuclear Power Plant (CNAAA). The airspace surrounding the nuclear complex is a strictly prohibited no-fly zone (NFZ) enforced by DECEA. Flying a recreational drone anywhere near this facility or its immediate coastal buffers is a federal offense.

Praia Brava (Búzios): A wild, steep-cliffed beach famous for surfing. While free of nuclear airspace blocks, it features severe geographical obstacles, hidden wind vortexes created by the cliffs, and heavy tourist crowds during peak seasons.

Airspace Requirements (DECEA Rules): Under the current aviation framework, all drone flights—including sub-250g models—legally require a pre-approved flight plan registered via the SARPAS system before take-off. If operating in Angra, the automated system will completely block flight requests near the power grid borders. Severe Crowd Restrictions: In compliance with ANAC safety standards, pilots are legally obligated to maintain a mandatory minimum 30-meter horizontal safety buffer from any non-consenting bystander. Launching from a packed beach strip, crowded surf lineup, or busy oceanfront setups violates federal safety codes. Weather & Terrain Hazards: The "Brava" (Fierce) name is literal; both locations face intense, unpredictable maritime wind gusts and heavy breaking surf. Lightweight consumer drones (like sub-250g models) easily suffer from severe battery strain, unexpected motor stress, or immediate flyaways over the open ocean when fighting aggressive offshore currents.Legal Penalties: Operating an uncoordinated drone without a SARPAS flight plan, breaching critical infrastructure safety rings (in Angra), or flying directly over beachgoers risks immediate equipment seizure. Reckless operations will result in heavy administrative fines from ANAC and criminal prosecution under Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code for endangering public or structural safety.