The Regional Director for Science and Technology stated in Ponta Delgada that the Azores have "special conditions" to be a living laboratory "with low experimentation costs" for technologies associated with drones. In this context, he highlighted the area created last year on Santa Maria for testing with this type of equipment.
 
Bruno Pacheco spoke at an information session on the new regulation for the use of drones, an event organised by the National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) in partnership with the Regional Directorate for Science and Technology.
 
In his speech, the Regional Director pointed out some of the uses of drones, particularly in maritime and coastal monitoring, conduction of surveys, monitoring of agricultural fields and support to search and rescue operations on land and sea, among others.
 
According to Bruno Pacheco, the use of drones ceased to represent "a recreational, sporting or military activity" to become "an accessible means to those who, seeing an opportunity in these aircraft systems, now have an opportunity to undertake new business opportunities at fairly lower operating costs. "
 
"Technology is a means to give shape to ideas that promote business opportunities," said the Regional Director. "With this vision to attract development dynamics," the Government wants to enhance "the attractiveness of the Azores so that they can make the difference."
 
In this regard, he stressed that the Regional Government has undertaken "considerable efforts" to attract technology companies working in the development of these activities to the Region.
 
ANAC, through the "Easy Fly" campaign, has organised information sessions throughout the country on the regulation establishing the operating conditions for the use of airspace by drones, which entered into force on January 13.
 
This regulation, which contains rules that were previously non-existent, ensures a safer use of drones for commercial, sporting or recreational purposes in the domestic airspace.