Drone Rules for Praça Heróis da FEB
Fly Status: Conditional / Managed Social Practice. At the Convento da Penha (Vila Velha, ES), recreational drone flight is prohibited due to its status as a historical and religious landmark. Operations require formal authorization from the administration and a valid SARPAS NG flight plan.
Explanation The Convento da Penha is not just a tourist spot; it is a sacred, protected historical site. Socially, the environment is one of quiet contemplation and religious worship. Buzzing a drone here is highly intrusive and considered a sign of extreme disrespect, leading to immediate intervention by the internal security team.
Conditions under which a flight could be considered:
The "Formal Authorization" Protocol: For professional projects, you must contact the Convento's administration office. Requests are only granted for high-value professional content with a clear, positive institutional purpose. Hobbyist requests are consistently denied.
Silence & Respect: The primary "social rule" is to respect the peace of the site. Any drone noise is perceived as a disruption of a sacred environment. Even if you obtain authorization, you must use a quiet, small drone and operate outside of prayer times.
The "No-Go" Zones: Flying near the church or over visitors is prohibited. The Convento’s cliffs are also a protected ecological area, and local environmental authorities strictly watch for any disturbance to the natural habitat.
How to be "Socially Accepted" (if authorized):
Strict Compliance: If authorized, strictly follow the time window provided by the administration. Never fly unannounced.
Safety Buffer: Adhere to the ANAC 30m rule. Given the proximity of visitors and the steep terrain, safety is the top priority.
Mandatory SARPAS NG: Like everywhere else in 2026, the SARPAS NG flight plan is mandatory. If you are found flying without it, the administration will consider it an unauthorized security breach.