PLENTY of hobbyists will be tempted to fly a drone around Sepang International Circuit (SIC) during the Formula 1 weekend to capture the action from above.
An aerial view of a packed circuit is exactly the kind of footage that gets shared widely online.
But can you fly a drone near SIC during the F1 weekend?
Verdict:
FALSE
Flying a drone near SIC without approval is not allowed during the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said in a post on its official Facebook page.
The restriction applies to the circuit and its surrounding areas from Oct 2 to 4.
CAAM said the prohibition is meant to safeguard aviation safety and avoid any risk that could endanger aircraft, members of the public and property.
Flying drones without approval in the area could disrupt flight operations and compromise safety throughout the event, it added.
The warning refers specifically to drones flown without approval, and the post does not say how approval for flights in the area can be obtained.
Drones are known in aviation terms as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and their operation in Malaysia is governed by the Civil Aviation Act 1969 (Act 3), the Civil Aviation Regulations 2016 and the relevant Civil Aviation Directives (CADs).
CAAM said enforcement action can be taken against anyone who fails to comply with these provisions.
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