Turkey's SHGM adopts new UAV regulation linking flight authority to pilot licence

Turkey's Civil Aviation General Directorate (SHGM) announced that the revised Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems Instruction (SHT‑İHA) has entered into force. The updated rules overhaul registration, certification, import, operation, pilot authorisation and safety oversight for all UAVs in the country.

The key innovation is that flight authorisation is now tied to the pilot's licence level—P0 (amateur), P1 (commercial) and P2 (advanced)—rather than the aircraft’s weight, a model that SHGM says is the first of its kind worldwide and aligns with international standards. All processes will be managed through a single digital platform, eliminating separate risk analyses for each flight and removing the need for separate permits in designated green zones. Simple toy drones are exempt from licensing and registration requirements.

Technical mandates such as mandatory geofencing, remote identification and software certification have been introduced, and dedicated UAV corridors for long‑range and autonomous flights have been defined. Existing licence holders retain their rights, with a transition period granted until 31 July 2027 to comply with the new regime. The regulation affects more than 90,000 UAVs and nearly 2 million pilots operating in Turkish airspace.