Drone Rules for Club de Aeromodelos Hualpén
Fly Status: Managed Private/Permit-Based Facility. The Club de Aeromodelismo Hualpén is a dedicated aviation hub in the Biobío Region, Chile. It operates as a private, member-only facility. Per DGAC (Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil) regulations, all flight activity must strictly adhere to DAN 151 (for RPAS) and
Explanation Hualpén operates under high aeronautical sensitivity due to its proximity to the Carriel Sur International Airport (SCEL/CCP) and the Biobío river estuaries. This club serves as a professional-grade facility designed to keep RC flight away from urban centers and restricted aeronautical zones. Flying in public spaces, parks, or near the coastline in Hualpén without specific DGAC authorization is illegal and carries significant regulatory penalties.
Core Requirements for 2026 (Chile):
DGAC Registration (DAN 151): All RPAS/models exceeding 250g must be registered with the DGAC. You must carry your registration and credentials during all operations.
Operational Standards: Flights must strictly maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), stay below 120 meters (400 feet) AGL, and operate only during daylight hours.
Airspace Control: Before takeoff, you must verify the location relative to the Carriel Sur CTR (Controlled Airspace). Any incursion into airport approach paths is a federal crime under Chilean aviation law.
Safety Buffer: The club enforces strict separation between the "pit" (startup) area, spectator zones, and the flight line to prevent incidents during takeoffs and landings.
How to be "Socially Accepted":
Request Membership: Never show up to the airfield unannounced. Contact the club’s board through their official channels to inquire about membership, safety procedures, and liability insurance requirements.
Frequency Management: Upon joining, you will be briefed on local frequency management. Transmitting on a shared frequency without clearance is a major safety violation in a region with high aviation density.
Respect the Environment: Hualpén has sensitive coastal ecosystems. Flying near wetlands or wildlife nesting areas outside the authorized club site is strictly prohibited and highly discouraged by the local community.