The Council of Ministers Closed the Sky for Drones and "Cuddly Landing Forces"

In Belarus model aeroplanes are allowed for the use only at the hight not more than 100 meters and only in authorized zones.

Decision №636 of the Council of Ministers of August 16 set control over the use of model aeroplanes in the Republic of Belarus.

According to the document, they are not subject to state registration. Thus, to ensure safety of flights of aircraft the use of model aeroplanes is carried out at the height not exceeding 100 meters from earth or water surface.

The use is restricted within closed areas without authorization of state bodies (organizations); in cases defined by the Security Service of the President of the Republic of Belarus; at height over 100 meters from earth or water surface; a total weight of more than 0.5 kilograms and without proper labeling.

The list of areas prohibited for use is established by the Ministry of Defence in coordination with the Ministry of Transport.

Aeroplanes with weight over 0.5 kg are subject to mandatory labeling. The labeling is carried out by an owner of a model on visible or hidden parts that can be checked with no use of special tools. Symbols must be legible at a visual inspection.

When using a model the user must: comply with requirements specified in these regulations; follow operation regulations and perform security requirements specified by the manufacturer; take all possible measures (up to the termination of the use of the model aeroplane) if a major threat of damage caused to the life, health or property of other persons and legal entities arises.

Until August 28, 2016, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Transport are charged to establish a list of areas that are prohibited for use model aeroplanes.

This decision shall enter into force on August 28, 2016 save in respect of paragraph 2, which comes into force after its official publication.

Charter97.org informed that in the morning July 4, 2012 two Swedish social activists Thomas Mazetti and Hannah Lina Fry flung down nearly a thousand teddy bears with words of support for democracy and freedom in Belarus. The plane took off from the territory of Lithuania and crossed the border of Belarus in the Dzevyanishki area. Teddy bears with slogans in favour of freedom of speech in our country were flung down over Ivyanets and the western outskirts of Minsk.

The Belarusian Defense Ministry still denies the violation of air borders of the country.