Frequently Asked Questions: Article 16 Authorisations for European Drone Pilots
Frequently Asked Questions: Article 16 Authorisations for European Drone Pilots
Below is a comprehensive FAQ to help drone pilots understand Article 16 Authorisations under EASA regulations. Whether you're new to drone flying, an active recreational pilot, or a professional operator, these questions cover essential topics for safe and legal operations.
For New Drone Pilots
1. What is an Article 16 Authorisation?
An Article 16 Authorisation is a special permission issued to model aircraft associations or clubs by the National Aviation Authority (NAA) in your country. It allows members to operate drones under specific conditions that differ from standard Open Category rules, often with more flexibility for certain operations.Regulatory Context: Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2019/947 outlines the framework for granting these authorisations.
Safety Reminder: Ensure you are a member of an association with Article 16 Authorisation before attempting operations under this framework.
2. Do I need to be part of an association to benefit from an Article 16 Authorisation?
Yes, Article 16 Authorisations are only granted to associations or clubs. As an individual pilot, you must be a member of such an organisation to operate under its authorisation.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 16)
Example: If you join a local model aircraft club with Article 16 Authorisation, you can operate according to its terms, such as flying drones in areas otherwise restricted under Open Category rules.
3. Can I fly my drone over 120m with an Article 16 Authorisation?
No, the 120m altitude limit still applies unless explicitly stated otherwise in the authorisation. Always check the specific conditions of your association’s Article 16 Authorisation.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4)
Safety Reminder: Exceeding altitude limits can pose risks to manned aviation.4. What are the basic requirements to fly under Article 16 Authorisation?
- â–¸You must be a member of the association or club granted the authorisation.
- â–¸You must comply with the operational and safety requirements outlined in the authorisation.
- â–¸You must follow all local airspace restrictions and conditions.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 16)
Safety Reminder: Always carry proof of membership and authorisation details during flights.
For Active Recreational Drone Pilots
5. Can I fly near an airport with an Article 16 Authorisation?
No, flights near airports are subject to strict airspace restrictions. Article 16 Authorisation does not override standard airspace regulations, such as those around controlled or restricted zones.Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 15)
Safety Reminder: Check your local airspace maps and avoid flying near airports or heliports.
6. Can I fly over people under Article 16 Authorisation?
Flying over uninvolved people is generally prohibited unless explicitly allowed in the authorisation and specific safety measures are met. Always consult the conditions of your authorisation.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5)
Safety Reminder: Avoid crowded areas to reduce risk in case of a system failure.
7. What happens if I accidentally violate Article 16 Authorisation rules?
Violating the terms of Article 16 Authorisation may lead to penalties, including suspension of your membership, fines, or other legal consequences.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 14)
Safety Reminder: Always review the authorisation conditions before flying and conduct pre-flight checks to avoid unintentional violations.
8. How do I know if I’m flying in a restricted area?
Use official airspace maps provided by your NAA or an approved drone app. These tools help identify controlled, restricted, or prohibited zones.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 15)
Practical Tip: Apps like Drone Assist or AirMap are helpful for identifying no-fly zones in real-time.
For Professional Operators
9. Can I perform commercial operations under Article 16 Authorisation?
No, Article 16 Authorisation is designed for recreational and model aircraft association members. Commercial operations typically require operational authorisations under the Specific Category or the Open Category, depending on the risk.Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4, Art. 16)
Safety Reminder: Always apply for appropriate authorisations for commercial activities.
10. What if I need to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS)?
BVLOS operations are not covered under Article 16 Authorisation. You would need Specific Category authorisation, including an approved safety case.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5, Art. 11)
Example: Delivering goods or conducting long-range inspections requires BVLOS approval.
11. Can I fly over critical infrastructure like power lines or railways?
Flying over critical infrastructure is generally restricted and requires specific permissions. Article 16 Authorisation typically does not allow such operations unless explicitly stated.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5, Art. 15)
Safety Reminder: Always check local regulations for critical infrastructure restrictions.
For All Pilots
12. How can I apply for an Article 16 Authorisation?
Individual pilots cannot apply for Article 16 Authorisation directly; only associations or clubs can request it from their NAA. Joining an authorised club allows you to operate under its terms.Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 16)
Practical Tip: Search for local model aircraft associations with active Article 16 Authorisation to join.
13. What are the consequences of flying without proper authorisation?
Flying without proper authorisation can result in penalties such as fines, confiscation of equipment, and legal action.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 14)
Safety Reminder: Ensure you have appropriate authorisation and comply with all regulatory requirements before flying.
14. How do I check if my association’s authorisation is valid?
Contact your association or club directly or verify with your NAA. Associations should provide clear documentation of their Article 16 Authorisation.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 16)
Safety Reminder: Keep a copy of the authorisation details with you during flights.15. What should I do if my drone crashes during an Article 16 Authorisation operation?
- â–¸Ensure the safety of people and property first.
- â–¸Report the incident to your association or club as required.
- â–¸If significant damage or injury occurs, report to your NAA immediately.
Regulatory Reference: (Reg 2019/947 Art. 14, Art. 16)
Safety Reminder: Conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection to minimize risks of system failure.
Final Notes
Always consult official EASA documentation and your association’s guidelines for complete requirements under Article 16 Authorisations. Regulations may change, so verify with your NAA or EASA for the latest updates.
For more detailed guidance, visit 120mAGL.com or contact your local aviation authority. Fly responsibly!
About the Author
Roberto Gramellini
Aviation expert and UAS regulations specialist with extensive experience in EASA compliance and drone operations. Passionate about making complex regulations accessible to drone pilots across Europe.
EASA Regulatory Compliance Notice
This content is for educational purposes only and is based on EASA regulations current at the time of generation.
Always consult the official EASA documentation and your local aviation authorities for the most current regulations and legal compliance requirements before operating any UAS.