Flying a Drone in American Samoa: What You Need to Know

Here's what you need to know about flying drones in American Samoa: it's a bit of a unique situation compared to other destinations you're likely to have visited.

Current Drone Regulations in American Samoa

There is only one drone regulation in American Samoa; you are not permitted to fly in the National Park of American Samoa.

Other than that, there aren't any formal drone laws or permits in place yet, which might sound like good news, but don't get too excited just yet. The Department of Port Administration has stepped in with interim guidelines that you'll need to follow.

Interestingly, DJI has removed their geo-zones for the territory, so your drone won't automatically restrict flights here. However, this doesn't mean it's a free-for-all: you'll still need proper authorisation.

Keep in mind that regulations are constantly evolving (airport authorities are working towards formal legislation), so always double-check the current guidelines before you travel.

How to Get Permission to Fly Your Drone in American Samoa

You'll need to contact the airport authorities well in advance, and we mean well in advance. They require at least one month's notice before your arrival, so don't leave this to the last minute.

Here's how to get in touch:

• Email: ops.safety@pa.as.gov
• Phone: 684-699-9101 & 684-733-3158

If you don't hear back from them, that means no flight authorisation.

The good news is that contacting them early gives you the chance to receive approach area maps and safety briefings, which can be incredibly helpful for planning your shots.

The Authorisation Process

We're pleased to report that the process won't cost you anything. There are no registration fees involved.

If your request gets approved, the airport will provide you with an authorisation letter. This letter can also be used for your drone manufacturer unlock requests if needed, which is quite handy.

Just remember that your authorisation will be valid for a specific time period and aircraft model, so make sure all your details are accurate when you apply.

Understanding the Pago Pago flight zone guidelines is essential for safe operations. The area around Pago Pago International Airport is divided into distinct zones, each with specific altitude restrictions and authorisation requirements.

These guidelines help ensure drone operations don't interfere with commercial aircraft while still allowing recreational and commercial drone use in appropriate areas.

Red Zone Operations

• Airport authorization mandatory
• Maximum altitude: 100 ft (30 m) above ground level
• Strictest restrictions due to proximity to airport operations

Yellow Zone Operations

• Airport authorization mandatory
• Maximum altitude: 200 ft (60 m) above ground level
• Moderate restrictions with required coordination

Other Zone Operations

• Maximum altitude: 400 ft (120 m) above ground level
• Standard Pacific Island operating ceiling
• Still recommended to notify the airport for flights within a 5-mile radius

Flying your drone around American Samoa's airports requires careful coordination and timing. Here's what you need to know to keep your flights safe and compliant.

Scheduling and Timing

Aircraft schedules change daily depending on which runway is in use (Runway 5 versus Runway 8), so you'll need to stay flexible with your drone plans.

The airport implements 30-minute no-fly windows around all aircraft operations, which means you'll have specific time slots when drone flying is permitted. Morning flights are particularly common for inter-island services, so plan accordingly.

We recommend contacting the airport directly to request optimal flight windows for your drone operations. They're usually quite helpful in finding suitable times that work for everyone.

Communication Protocol

Always contact airport operations at least one hour before your planned flight. This gives them time to coordinate with any scheduled aircraft movements and provide you with the all-clear.

Keep monitoring for last-minute flight schedule changes, as weather and operational needs can shift things around quickly in the islands. Maintain communication throughout your drone operations and report any issues or incidents immediately.

Manu'a Islands Special Considerations

Flying drones around the Manu'a Islands airports requires extra coordination due to the remote location and limited infrastructure.

Always check Samoa Airways' morning schedule before planning your drone flights, as these inter-island services are the lifeline for the outer islands. You'll need to coordinate with both Tutuila and Manu'a airport operations. Learn more about all of the airports in Airports in American Samoa: Where Can You Fly to in American Samoa?

Account for the limited communication infrastructure on the outer islands, which can make last-minute coordination challenging. Plan for weather-dependent flight schedules, as conditions can change rapidly and affect both aircraft and drone operations.

Safety is paramount when flying drones near active airports. American Samoa's unique geography and flight patterns create some specific challenges you'll want to be aware of.

Aircraft Traffic Awareness

You'll encounter multiple daily commercial and charter flights, with aircraft approaching from various angles around Pago Pago Harbor. The unpredictable runway usage based on weather conditions means flight paths can vary significantly from day to day.

Visual approach procedures create varied flight paths, so don't assume aircraft will always follow the same route. Stay alert and maintain visual contact with your drone at all times.

Weather and Environmental Factors

American Samoa's tropical climate brings frequent weather changes that can affect both aircraft operations and drone flying conditions. The mountain terrain around the airport affects wind patterns in ways that might surprise you.

The volcanic landscape creates unique flying conditions, with thermal updrafts and wind shear that can catch inexperienced pilots off guard. We always recommend staying informed about local weather conditions before heading out.

Primary Contact

• Department of Port Administration
• Email: ops.safety@pa.as.gov
• Phone: 684-699-9101 & 684-733-3158
• Airport Operations Supervisor: Alex Suafo'a (alexander.suafoa@pa.as.gov)

Business Hours

• Monday-Friday: 8 am to 3 pm
• Saturday & Sunday: CLOSED
• Emergency contact available during flight operations