Drone Rules for Serra Geral National Park
You can legally fly your drone at Aparados da Serra National Park, as the airspace is open for responsible use. To fly safely, you must have your equipment registered with ANAC/ANATEL, log your flight in the SARPAS portal, stay clear of tourist walkways, and strictly avoid disturbing the local wildlife or piloting duri
The airspace over the majestic Aparados da Serra National Park is open to drone flight operations under tailored ecological guidelines. Home to the breathtaking Itaimbezinho Canyon, deep valleys, and pristine waterfalls, the park offers an unparalleled landscape for legal aerial cinematography. Because it is a strictly protected conservation unit, pilots must coordinate their flights to safeguard both local wildlife and the experience of visitors on the ground.
Regulatory Framework & Permissions: Drone operations are fully allowed for recreational and educational tracking. 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 flights within the open tourism sectors do not require specialized individual permits, but all pilots must submit their flight intent via the SARPAS system. For professional, commercial, or documentary media creation, it is mandatory to obtain prior written clearance from the park administration (Urbia / ICMBio).
Geofencing & Flight Conditions: The park's coordinates are not restricted by automated Red Zones in drone manufacturer firmware, meaning your drone will unlock and take off without software blocks. However, standard altitude limits apply. Pilots must monitor the abrupt weather shifts, as the canyon is famous for sudden heavy fog (viração) and strong vertical wind drafts.
Environmental Restrictions: To maintain your permission to fly, you must respect the park's biodiversity. It is strictly forbidden to fly close to or disturb nesting birds along the canyon walls (such as endangered eagles) or land mammals. Drones must also maintain a safe distance from the designated tourist trails (like Trilha do Vértice and Trilha do Cotovelo) to protect visitor privacy and safety.
Legal Penalties: Operating a drone in a reckless manner that harasses animals or endangers the public can lead to immediate flight termination by park rangers, equipment confiscation, heavy environmental fines under ICMBio regulations, and prosecution under Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code for endangering airspace safety.