Yes, flying drones over private property in Chile is legal but strictly regulated by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC). Operators must comply with Law 18.916 (Aeronautical Code) and DGAC Resolution 1.040/2019, which mandates prior authorization for flights over private land unless the owner consents. Violations risk fines up to 50 UTM (~$3,500 USD) or drone confiscation. Recent 2026 amendments under Decreto Supremo 29/2024 tighten privacy protections, requiring geofencing near residential zones.
Key Regulations for Flying Drones Over Private Property in Chile
- Prior Authorization Required: All drone flights over private property must obtain explicit consent from the landowner or secure a DGAC permit (Article 10, DGAC Resolution 1.040/2019). Emergency operations exemptions are rare and narrowly defined.
- Privacy and Data Protection: Under Ley 21.096 (2023) and Decreto Supremo 29/2024, capturing images or data over private property without consent violates privacy laws, with penalties including civil liability and criminal charges for aggravated offenses.
- Altitude and Proximity Limits: Drones may not fly below 120 meters (394 ft) over private property unless the owner permits lower altitudes. Urban areas face stricter ceilings (90 meters), enforced via DGAC’s Sistema de Gestión de Tránsito Aéreo (SGTA).
Operators must also register drones weighing over 250g with the DGAC, adhere to no-fly zones near airports, and avoid interfering with emergency services. Non-compliance triggers inspections by the Fiscalía de Aeronáutica Civil, with appeals heard by the Juzgado de Policía Local. Foreign operators require additional permits from the Subsecretaría de Aviación.