EASA UAS Regulations Overview: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need a license to fly a drone in the 'open' category?

Yes, you need to complete an online training course and pass an exam to operate drones in the 'open' category if your drone weighs more than 250 grams or is equipped with a camera. This is part of the EASA regulations to ensure safety and compliance (Reg 2019/947 Art. 11).

Safety Reminder: Always familiarize yourself with local regulations, as they may have additional requirements.

Learn more about the 'open' category here.

2. What are the requirements for flying in the 'specific' category?

To fly in the 'specific' category, you must conduct a risk assessment and obtain a declaration or authorization from your national aviation authority (NAA). Depending on the operation, you might also need to comply with specific operational limitations (Reg 2019/947 Art. 12).

Example Scenario: If you wish to fly over people or at night, specific permissions are required.

Explore detailed requirements for the 'specific' category.

3. How do I register my drone according to EASA regulations?

You must register your drone if it weighs more than 250 grams or is equipped with a camera. The registration process involves filling out an online form through your NAA's website (Reg 2019/947 Art. 14).

Safety Reminder: Ensure that your drone's registration number is displayed on the device.

Check your NAA’s registration portal here.

4. What if I want to fly near an airport?

Flying near an airport requires special permissions. You must consult with the local air traffic control (ATC) and may need to apply for an operational authorization (Reg 2019/947 Art. 12).

Safety Reminder: Always maintain awareness of the airspace and surrounding activities when flying near airports.

Read more about airspace restrictions here.

5. Can I fly my drone beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)?

Yes, but only in the 'specific' category after obtaining the necessary authorization from your NAA. A thorough risk assessment must be conducted, and specific operational conditions must be met (Reg 2019/947 Art. 12).

Example Scenario: A commercial operator might conduct BVLOS operations for agricultural surveying but needs to follow strict guidelines.

Learn about BVLOS operations here.

6. What happens if I fly without complying with EASA regulations?

Flying without compliance can lead to serious penalties, including fines and the revocation of your flying privileges. The severity of the consequences depends on the nature of the violation (Reg 2019/947 Art. 21).

Safety Reminder: Always ensure you understand the regulations to avoid unintentional violations.

Find out more about penalties and enforcement.

7. Are there restrictions on flying in urban areas?

Yes, flying in urban areas often has stricter limitations due to safety and privacy concerns. You must assess the risks and potentially seek permission from local authorities (Reg 2019/947 Art. 12).

Example Scenario: You may need to avoid flying over crowds or densely populated buildings.

Discover more about urban flying guidelines.

8. What are the altitude limits for flying drones?

The maximum altitude for flying drones in the 'open' category is 120 meters (approximately 400 feet) above ground level (AGL). This limit helps prevent conflicts with manned aircraft (Reg 2019/947 Art. 7).

Safety Reminder: Always monitor your altitude to ensure compliance.

Learn more about altitude regulations here.

9. Do I need insurance to operate a drone commercially?

While not always legally required, obtaining liability insurance for commercial operations is highly recommended. It protects you against potential claims arising from accidents or damages (Reg 2019/947 Art. 22).

Safety Reminder: Always assess your risk exposure and consider insurance as a safety measure.

Explore insurance options for drone operations.

10. How do I report a drone incident?

Any incident that poses a safety risk must be reported to your NAA. This includes accidents, near misses, and any operational irregularities (Reg 2019/947 Art. 21).

Safety Reminder: Timely reporting can help improve safety standards across the industry.

Check your NAA's incident reporting guidelines here.

11. Can I modify my drone for better performance?

You can modify your drone, but it must still comply with EASA regulations. Significant changes may require re-registration or approval from your NAA, especially if they affect the safety and performance of the drone (Reg 2019/945 Art. 5).

Safety Reminder: Always ensure modifications do not compromise safety or compliance.

Learn more about drone modifications here.

12. What are the rules regarding drone maintenance?

Drones must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines and any applicable EASA regulations. Regular checks and servicing help ensure safety and compliance (Reg 2019/947 Art. 20).

Safety Reminder: Keep a maintenance log to track repairs and checks.

Find maintenance guidelines here.

13. What should I do if I encounter a problem while flying?

If you encounter an issue during flight, prioritize safety by landing the drone in a safe area. Report any technical malfunctions to your NAA if they could impact safety (Reg 2019/947 Art. 21).

Safety Reminder: Always conduct a pre-flight check to minimize risks.

Learn about emergency procedures here.

14. How do I ensure privacy while flying my drone?

Respecting privacy is crucial. Avoid flying over private property without consent, and be mindful of capturing images or videos of people without their permission (Reg 2019/947 Art. 22).

Safety Reminder: Familiarize yourself with local privacy laws and regulations.

Explore privacy guidelines for drone operators.

15. What are the consequences of flying in restricted airspace?

Flying in restricted airspace can lead to immediate penalties, including fines and potential criminal charges. Always check the airspace status before flying (Reg 2019/947 Art. 21).

Safety Reminder: Use airspace awareness tools and apps to avoid restricted zones.

Learn more about airspace classifications here.

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Disclaimer: Regulations may change - always verify with official sources. This is educational content - not legal advice. Consult official EASA documentation for complete requirements.

For more information, visit 120mAGL.com and stay updated on European drone regulations!