The Ministry of Internal Affairs informs all citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia, especially the owners and operators of unmanned aerial vehicles – drones, that due to the increased volume of flight activities by the Department of Aerial Units, as well as the intensive engagement of the Ministry's helicopters in activities for firefighting, reconnaissance, transport, and other operational tasks across the entire territory of the country, it is essential to strictly adhere to the rules for the safe use of airspace.
Due to the nature and urgency of the tasks, the location, time, and route of police helicopters may not always be predictable in advance, especially during interventions related to fires and other emergencies.
For these reasons, the Ministry of Internal Affairs issues a serious appeal and warning:
Individuals who do not meet the legal requirements for operating unmanned aerial vehicles – drones and do not possess the necessary approvals, registrations, or certificates when they are mandatory, must not conduct drone operations contrary to the applicable regulations.
Operators who meet the prescribed conditions are required to carry out operations exclusively in accordance with the applicable aviation regulations, the restrictions of airspace, and the conditions established by the relevant aviation authorities, including the necessary notifications and coordination with the appropriate air traffic control services when mandated.
If a drone operator notices or hears a police helicopter nearby, they are obliged to immediately and without delay safely land the drone.
Under no circumstances should a drone be operated in the direction of a helicopter, approach it, follow its movement, or be filmed from close proximity.
We particularly emphasize that the presence of a drone in the area where a helicopter operates poses a serious threat to flight safety. A collision between a drone and a helicopter can cause significant damage, loss of control over the aircraft, and directly endanger the lives of the crew, as well as individuals and property on the ground.
The risk is further heightened during firefighting operations, when helicopters fly at low altitudes, in conditions of smoke, reduced visibility, turbulence, and high workload on the crew, making timely detection and avoidance of a small unmanned aerial vehicle – drone extremely challenging.
The appearance of a drone in the operational zone can also lead to a complete halt or delay of flight operations, directly reducing the effectiveness of the intervention and further endangering the population, firefighters, property, and natural resources.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs will take appropriate measures to identify and hold accountable those individuals who, through illegal or unsafe operation of unmanned aerial vehicles, jeopardize the safety of air traffic and police aircraft.
For violations of legal obligations and actions that create a danger to an aircraft, crew, or other individuals, administrative and, when legal criteria are met, criminal measures will be taken in accordance with applicable regulations. For similar recorded cases, the relevant authorities are already acting within their legal powers.
The Ministry appeals to all citizens and drone operators to demonstrate maximum responsibility and discipline.
The safety of the crews who are engaged daily in protecting citizens and combating fires must be a shared responsibility of all.