Aviation regulator gets first application to operate drones from Manna Aero

Since the introduction of new EU drone regulations, the IAA has registered more than 1,100 drone operators

Newly appointed IAA Aviation Regulator Diarmuid Ó Conghaile welcomed the submission from Manna Aero founder and CEO Bobby Healy.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has received its first application for a new drone operator approval, which is available under new EU drone regulations which came into force in December 2020.

The approval, officially titled a ‘light UAS operator certificate’ (LUC), will be recognised in all EU member states, providing greater business opportunities for Irish-based commercial drone operators including allowing an organisation to self-authorise operations, removing the requirement to obtain a prior authorisation.