South America
Chile
DGAC Chile — DAN 151
Chile distinguishes a simplified regime for recreational micro-drones in private areas from a more structured regime for populated zones, with licence, register and mandatory insurance.
For standard registered operations; for micro-drones (≤750 g) in private areas without authorization the limit is 50 m above the obstacle.
Mandatory in the special DGAC register before operating; exemption for recreational drones ≤750 g made of expanded polystyrene used in private areas.
'Credencial de piloto a distancia' (remote pilot credential) required for populated areas (minimum age 18, notarized sworn training statement); the exact exam pass threshold was not reconfirmed on a direct primary source in this check. Not required for micro-drones in private areas.
Mandatory (third-party damage), authorized by the Junta de Aeronáutica Civil.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Direct visual contact always required; DGAC authorization needed for populated areas.
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Operator registration exists for accountability: if a drone causes an incident or enters a restricted zone, the authority needs to be able to trace it back to whoever was flying it. You usually get an identification number (operator ID) to physically attach to the drone, valid for every drone the same person owns. The cost is often minimal or free, and it applies to visiting tourists too, not just residents. For Chile, the official reference remains DGAC Chile. Mandatory in the special DGAC register before operating; exemption for recreational drones ≤750 g made of expanded polystyrene used in private areas.
How this usually works
Here the requirement depends on factors like the drone's weight, distance from people, or use case (recreational vs. commercial). The note above describes the most common case: if your situation is different, check the official source to see exactly which scenario applies to you before flying. The exam and certificate are handled by DGAC Chile. 'Credencial de piloto a distancia' (remote pilot credential) required for populated areas (minimum age 18, notarized sworn training statement); the exact exam pass threshold was not reconfirmed on a direct primary source in this check. Not required for micro-drones in private areas.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.