Taking a drone (MA2) to Costa Rica

[RobertR]

Has anyone done it? And is there any hassle?

I know that it has to be registered with the DGCA.

Thanks in advance

 

[db4476]

I have done it just before the lockdown. Really wasn't all that difficult. Costa Rica rocks, enjoy your trip.

Cheers!

 

[MS Coast]

Here's the word from the Costa Rican civil aviation authority. It's in Spanish, but you can cut-and-paste into translate.google.com. It's in Spanish, but you can cut-and-paste into translate.google.com.

Aeronaves no tripuladas Drones – Aviación Civil

The key part for recreational fliers is Limitaciones de Operacion.

https://www.dgac.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/cc05_15-opr-drones-AIC.pdf

There are also maps of restricted areas around airports under Restricciones cerca de Aeropuertos.

I didn't dig through to find registration requirements.

 

[Golden27]

Has anyone done it? And is there any hassle?

I know that it has to be registered with the DGCA.

Thanks in advance

how is it with TSA - will a mini 2 be allowed in carry on? Thank you!

 

[Paint Rock Drones]

how is it with TSA - will a mini 2 be allowed in carry on? Thank you!

I've taken my mini 2 through numerous domestic flights as carry on. TSA doesn't care, never even asked to search my bag. I doubt that TSA is any different for international.

 

[Aerophile]

how is it with TSA - will a mini 2 be allowed in carry on? Thank you!

Ive taken my Mini2 (in my carry-on bag) on several international trips. Nobody has batted an eye at the drone at all.

I *did* have the batteries stored in LiPo fireproof bags (also in my carry-on - they are generally prohibited from checked bags). Not only did the TSA not give me any trouble, I pointed out to them that the batteries were in fire-proof safety bags, which got a big double-thumbs-up from one TSA screener.

Don't worry about the drone (just treat it gently). Do worry about the batteries. Get the fireprooof bags and use them when taking them on a plane.

 

[MS Coast]

Here's the word from the FAA.

Lithium batteries with 100 watt hours or less in a device | Transportation Security Administration

Spare (uninstalled) lithium ion and lithium metal batteries, including power banks and cell phone battery charging cases, must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Lithium metal (non-rechargeable) batteries are limited to 2 grams of lithium per battery. Lithium ion (rechargeable) batteries are...

www.tsa.gov

Pack Safe – Batteries, lithium

www.faa.gov

There's no requirement for battery bags. There is a requirement that battery terminals be covered. Tape is acceptable.

Lithium batteries are prohibited in checked baggage.