**Flying Near Airports and Airspace FAQ**
Flying Near Airports and Airspace FAQ
Target Audience: New Drone Pilots
1. Can I fly my drone near an airport?
No, you cannot fly a drone near an airport unless you have explicit permission from the airport operator and comply with airspace regulations. Airports are surrounded by controlled airspace to ensure the safety of manned aircraft. Flying in these areas without authorization is prohibited (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).Safety Reminder: Unauthorized flights near airports can cause significant safety risks and legal consequences. Always check airspace maps and request permission if needed.
2. What is controlled airspace, and how does it affect drone operations?
Controlled airspace is an area where air traffic is regulated to ensure safe operation of aircraft. Drone pilots must obtain authorization to fly in controlled airspace as per the operational requirements of the Open or Specific category (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
Example: Flying within 5 km of an airport typically requires special permission. Use apps or online tools like Drone Assist to check airspace restrictions.
3. Do I need permission to fly under 120 meters near an airport?
Yes, even if you stay under the 120-meter altitude limit, flying near an airport requires permission to ensure compliance with airspace restrictions (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4). Controlled airspace extends from the ground up to a defined altitude.
Safety Reminder: Flying under 120 meters does not exempt you from obtaining permission in restricted zones.
4. How can I check if my planned flight area is restricted?
You can use official drone apps like Drone Assist, AirMap, or EASA’s UAS Geographical Zones map. These tools show restricted areas, controlled airspace, and no-fly zones.
Actionable Tip: Always verify your flight area before takeoff and avoid restricted zones unless you have obtained proper authorization.
5. What happens if I accidentally fly into restricted airspace near an airport?
Accidental flights into restricted airspace are considered serious violations and may result in fines, confiscation of your drone, or even prosecution (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
Actionable Step: Immediately land your drone and report the incident to the local aviation authority. Take steps to ensure it does not happen again.
Target Audience: Active Pilots
6. What do I need to do before flying near an airport in controlled airspace?
To fly near an airport, you must:- â–¸Check airspace restrictions using a reliable app or map.
- â–¸Request permission from the airport operator or local aviation authority.
- â–¸Ensure compliance with operational limits like altitude (maximum 120m) and distance regulations (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5).
Safety Reminder: Ensure your drone is equipped with fail-safe features, such as Return-to-Home, in case of signal loss near airports.
7. Can I fly in uncontrolled airspace near an airport?
Yes, but you must still respect the 120m altitude limit and avoid flying close enough to interfere with manned aircraft operations (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
Tip: Use tools like NOTAMs (Notice to Airmen) to stay updated on temporary restrictions.
8. What happens if a drone causes a near-miss with an aircraft near an airport?
This is considered a serious safety breach and can result in severe penalties, including fines, criminal charges, or loss of your drone license (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
Safety Reminder: Always prioritize safety and ensure you have full control of your drone. Avoid flying close to manned aircraft routes.
9. Are there specific drone categories for airport operations?
Yes, airport operations usually fall under the Specific Category, requiring a risk assessment and operational authorization from the relevant aviation authority (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5).
Example: If you’re conducting commercial operations near an airport, you’ll likely need to submit a PDRA (Pre-Defined Risk Assessment) or SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment).
10. What is a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ), and how does it apply to airports?
An FRZ is a designated area around an airport where drone flights are restricted to ensure safety. These zones often extend 5 km from the airport perimeter, but may vary depending on the location (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
Actionable Tip: Check for FRZs on official airspace maps before planning your flight.
Target Audience: Professional Operators
11. Can I conduct commercial drone operations near airports?
Yes, but you must:- â–¸Operate under the Specific Category with an operational authorization (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5).
- â–¸Submit a risk assessment (e.g., SORA) to the aviation authority.
- â–¸Coordinate with the airport operator and air traffic control.
12. What equipment is required for operating drones near airports?
For Specific Category operations near airports, drones may need features such as:- â–¸Geo-awareness systems for airspace alerts (Reg 2019/947 Art. 11).
- â–¸Electronic conspicuity devices for collision avoidance (CAP 1391).
13. How do I submit a risk assessment for flying near an airport?
You can submit a Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) to your local aviation authority. The assessment should include:- â–¸The operational plan.
- â–¸Mitigation measures for risks.
- â–¸Technical and pilot qualifications (Reg 2019/947 Art. 11).
Actionable Tip: Refer to EASA’s SORA guidelines for detailed instructions.
Target Audience: All Pilots
14. What are the penalties for violating airspace restrictions near airports?
Penalties vary by country but can include:- â–¸Fines.
- â–¸Confiscation of your drone.
- â–¸Criminal charges.
- â–¸Suspension or revocation of your drone license (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
15. How do I know if my drone flight is legal?
Follow these steps:- Check the airspace map for restrictions.
- Verify your drone’s category (Open, Specific, or Certified).
- Obtain necessary permissions for restricted airspace.
- Adhere to the 120m altitude limit (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
Tip: Keep updated on regulations by regularly checking EASA’s official website or 120mAGL resources.
16. Can I fly over roads or near highways close to airports?
Flying over busy roads or highways is prohibited unless you are conducting Specific Category operations with authorization (Reg 2019/947 Art. 5).
Safety Reminder: Avoid flying over people or congested areas, especially near airports.
17. What should I do if my drone is forced to land in restricted airspace?
If your drone lands in restricted airspace, notify the local aviation authority immediately and cooperate fully. Unauthorized recovery attempts may lead to further penalties (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
Tip: Ensure your drone has a working Return-to-Home feature to reduce the chance of losing control.
Disclaimer: Regulations may change—always verify with official sources before flying. This FAQ is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult official EASA documentation for complete requirements.
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.