New Regulations for Drones and Cybersecurity in Civil Aviation

The country's airspace will be subject to new control and security measures after the parliamentarians passed, on second reading, amendments to the Civil Aviation Act. The law introduces strict restrictions on the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), while emphasizing cybersecurity and improving safety in the aviation sector.

The operation of drones without the appropriate permission is prohibited in certain areas, including geographical zones with restrictions or prohibitions, as well as within the protected borders of public airports. In case of violation, the drone will be forcibly grounded or removed, and the costs for this will be borne by the offender. The conditions and procedure for this intervention will be determined by the Council of Ministers, following a proposal from a number of ministries and the State Agency "National Security".

Exceptions to these restrictions are provided for, allowing the use of drones by state authorities for purposes such as security, defense, national security, combating crime, maintaining public order, ensuring fire safety and protection in case of disasters, as well as for the needs of emergency medical care.

The law empowers the Council of Ministers to define areas in the airspace where air traffic may be prohibited or restricted. The MPs also prohibited the illegal broadcasting in the radio frequency bands for civil aviation and/or the creation of disruptive electromagnetic interference directed at the means and systems used in communication, navigation and surveillance for civil aviation.

The General Directorate "Civil Aviation Administration" (GD CAA) will exercise its control functions through aviation inspectors appointed by order of the director general of the directorate. These inspectors will have the right to request samples for the use of psychoactive substances from persons involved in ensuring safety in civil aviation. Refusal of such a check will be sanctioned with a fine. The use of psychoactive substances by persons performing activities related to the management and servicing of aircraft, as well as in the management of air traffic and air navigation services, is prohibited.

In addition, airport operators and air carriers will have to comply with the cybersecurity measures specified in the National Security Program. The ground handling operator will be obliged to develop, implement and maintain a security program approved by the director general of the GD CAA.

The chairman of the transport commission, Kiril Dobrev, commented that the changes set clear rules for the use of UAS and create conditions for coordinated interaction between institutions. He stressed that these steps are necessary to join the European requirements for the protection of order.

On the other hand, Nikola Dimitrov expressed concerns about the effects of the changes, such as a possible increase in the price of plane tickets due to the need to use more expensive biofuel. He also expressed concern about a possible change in the status of air traffic management, which could pass into private hands. Dimitrov also drew attention to the need for improvements in the procedures for appealing drug tests.