Weight classes, registration, pilot certificates, insurance and permits: a short guide for organisations commissioning commercial UAS work or operating their own.
Running commercial drone operations takes far more than buying and flying a device. In Türkiye, UAS activity is governed by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) UAS instruction. This article summarises the core steps for organisations that commission work or build their own operation.
1. Weight class sets the rules
The instruction classifies UAS by take-off weight. Aircraft under 500 grams sit in the lightest class, while requirements for registration, pilot certificates and operating rules tighten step by step for aircraft up to 4 kg, up to 25 kg and above 25 kg. Agricultural spraying drones typically fall in the heaviest class.
2. Registration and operator authorisation
Every aircraft above a certain weight must be registered in the SHGM system. Organisations performing commercial work must also obtain operator authorisation and prepare an operations manual and risk assessment. These are the first documents requested during an audit.
3. Pilot certificate and training
A remote pilot certificate matching the aircraft class and a current medical declaration are required. The operator keeps each pilot’s flight hours and training records for the last 12 months.
4. Liability insurance
Mandatory UAS liability insurance covers damage to third parties. In sensitive areas such as cities, energy facilities and ports, a higher cover limit may be requested.
5. Airspace and flight permits
Areas near airports, military restricted zones, national parks and critical infrastructure are closed or permit-controlled. Before flying, a restriction query is run and written permission is obtained from the relevant authorities when needed.
So what should the commissioning organisation do?
- Ask the provider for operator authorisation and the insurance policy.
- Check that pilot certificates are current.
- Share site coordinates early; permit processes take time.
- Put data security and image rights in the contract.
At Kartalay we manage all of these processes on behalf of our clients. Our authorisation documents and insurance summary are on the Licences & Permits page. This article is for general information only; follow SHGM announcements for current regulation.
Common mistakes
- Hiring a provider with unregistered equipment or lapsed insurance; in an accident, responsibility can reach the commissioning party.
- Leaving the permit process to the last day; permits near critical infrastructure can take days.
- Not putting image usage rights in writing.
- Not assessing third-party imagery under KVKK.
Adding these four points to your checklist before starting a job significantly reduces both legal and operational risk.