South America
Panama
AAC — Norma AAC/DG/01-21 (2021)
Panama regulates drones through the Autoridad de Aeronáutica Civil (AAC) with a 2021 regulation that classifies drones by weight category, imposing registration and a licence for commercial use.
Secondary sources diverge between 30-120 m depending on the weight category: check your specific case.
Mandatory for drones 250 g-25 kg with an operational credential; micro-drones under 250 g generally exempt for purely recreational use.
An RPA category licence is required for commercial use.
Zones to avoid
No-fly zones usually follow the same recurring categories (airports, military sites, protected areas, historic centers). For this country: Maximum distance 500 m from the pilot; forbidden within 8 km of any national airport without special permission.
What isn't 100% confirmed yet
The official regulatory document was not readable in text format during this research: maximum altitude and insurance requirements are not confirmed with certainty.
Verify officially before flying
Source: Autoridad de Aeronáutica Civil (AAC) de Panamá (Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama)
Last checked: 2026-09
Go deeper
Why registration exists
Here the threshold usually depends on the drone's weight or whether it has a camera: below a certain weight, often 250 g, many systems don't require registration for recreational use. Check the note above and the official source to see whether your specific drone falls under the requirement. For Panama, the official reference remains Autoridad de Aeronáutica Civil (AAC) de Panamá (Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama). Mandatory for drones 250 g-25 kg with an operational credential; micro-drones under 250 g generally exempt for purely recreational use.
How this usually works
In most systems, the pilot license (or "certificate") is a theory exam, often entirely online and free, covering the basics: airspace, safety distances, privacy. It's nothing like a driving license, but it's still a legal requirement. Most systems have more than one level: an entry-level exam for flights further from people and built-up areas, and a more thorough one if you want to fly closer. The certificate is usually valid for a few years before it needs renewing. The exam and certificate are handled by Autoridad de Aeronáutica Civil (AAC) de Panamá (Civil Aeronautics Authority of Panama). An RPA category licence is required for commercial use.
Informational content, not legal advice. Zones and rules change constantly: always check the country's official website before every flight.