Drone Rules for Ian Fleming International Airport

Ian Fleming International Airport (ICAO: MKBS, IATA: OCJ) is a public international airport located in Boscobel, St. Mary. Formerly known as Boscobel Aerodrome, the airport serves private aviation, charter operators, business jets, and scheduled international passenger services. It is located approximately 10 km east of Ocho Rios and supports tourism activity along Jamaica's north coast.

Drone operators should be aware that aircraft frequently operate at low altitude during arrivals and departures along the coastline and surrounding communities. Popular tourist destinations, resorts, beaches, villas, and filming locations near Oracabessa may fall within the airport protection zone.

Under Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority 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 operating requirements include:

• Maximum altitude of 400 ft (122 m) above ground level. • Maximum operating range of 500 m (1,640 ft). • Aircraft must remain within unaided visual line of sight. • FPV-only 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 operations require approval from the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority.

Because Ian Fleming International Airport serves both international and domestic aviation traffic in a major tourism corridor, drone operations within the 5 km airport protection zone should be considered prohibited unless specifically authorized by the appropriate aviation authorities.