Drone Rules for Galinhos Beach
The Praia de Galinhos, located in the municipality of Galinhos (RN), is a remote peninsula within the APA (Área de Proteção Ambiental) das Barreiras da Andorinha, managed by the IDEMA-RN. Because it is a highly fragile estuary ecosystem, drone operations are strictly controlled. Under national DECEA and ANAC regulation
Geographically, Galinhos is a stunning, isolated peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, saltwater lagoons, and a dense network of mangroves. The terrain consists of white sand dunes, extensive salt flats, and coastal vegetation. This environment presents unique technical flight hazards for uncrewed multirotor platforms: the area is exposed to exceptionally strong, persistent coastal trade winds that can create powerful mechanical turbulence, especially near the salt flat transitions. Operators must be aware that the fine salt dust in the air is highly conductive and corrosive; it can easily enter the drone’s motor housing or gimbal seals, causing rapid mechanical degradation. Furthermore, the extreme glare from the expansive salt flats and shallow turquoise water can saturate camera sensors and "blind" downward-facing optical positioning sensors, leading to altitude instability or catastrophic "flyaway" incidents if the pilot relies solely on automated flight modes.