Drone Rules for Tinson Pen Aerodrome
Tinson Pen Aerodrome (MKTP) is an active domestic and general aviation airport located in Kingston, Jamaica. Under Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) regulations, drone operations are prohibited within 5 km (16,500 ft) of the aerodrome unless specifically authorized.
Tinson Pen Aerodrome (ICAO: MKTP) is a domestic aviation facility serving Kingston and surrounding regions. The aerodrome supports charter services, domestic passenger flights, training operations, private aviation activity, and government aviation movements.
Because the airport is located within the Kingston metropolitan area, aircraft frequently operate at low altitudes during takeoff, landing, training circuits, and approach procedures. Drone pilots flying in Kingston, downtown districts, industrial areas, waterfront locations, and nearby communities should be aware that large portions of the city fall within the airport protection zone.
Under Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) recreational unmanned aircraft regulations:
Unmanned aircraft shall not be operated within 16,500 feet (5,000 meters) of any aerodrome or rotorcraft-designated landing zones, such as helipads.
Additional JCAA unmanned aircraft requirements include:
• Maximum flight altitude of 400 ft (122 m) above ground level. • Maximum operating distance of 500 m (1,640 ft) from the pilot. • Aircraft must remain within unaided visual line of sight (VLOS). • FPV-only drone operations are not permitted. • Operations must remain at least 500 ft (152 m) from organized open-air assemblies of people. • Operations must remain at least 165 ft (50 m) from uninvolved persons. • Flights over private or public property require prior permission. • Commercial drone activities require authorization from the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.
Tinson Pen Aerodrome is located close to densely populated urban districts and shares regional airspace with other aviation operations in the Kingston area. Drone operations within the 5 km protection zone should therefore be considered prohibited unless specific authorization has been granted by the relevant aviation authorities.