UAS Safety Guidelines FAQ for European Drone Pilots
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 obtain a drone pilot certificate for the 'open' category. This applies if your drone weighs more than 250 grams or is equipped with a camera (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4, 5).Example: If you want to fly a drone weighing 300 grams for recreational use, you must have the certificate.
Safety Reminder: Always ensure you understand the weight and operational restrictions of your drone.
Official Reference: For details, refer to EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
2. What are the requirements for flying near an airport?
When flying near an airport, you must maintain a minimum distance and ensure that you do not interfere with manned aircraft operations. Specifically, you cannot fly within 5 km of an airport without prior authorization (Reg 2019/947 Art. 15).
Example: If you want to fly your drone for photography near a local airport, you must first obtain permission from the airport authority.
Safety Reminder: Always check NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) for any airspace restrictions before flying.
Official Reference: See EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
3. How do I register my drone with EASA?
To register your drone, you must visit the national aviation authority's website in your country and complete the registration process online. The registration is required for drones weighing over 250 grams (Reg 2019/947 Art. 14).
Example: If you have a drone that weighs 1 kg, you must register it before flying.
Safety Reminder: Ensure that your registration is up to date to avoid potential fines.
Official Reference: More information can be found in EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
4. What happens if I fly my drone above 120m AGL?
Flying above 120m AGL (Above Ground Level) is not permitted in the 'open' category without specific authorization. Violating this rule can result in fines and penalties (Reg 2019/947 Art. 7).
Example: If you accidentally fly your drone to 150m while taking photos, you may face enforcement actions.
Safety Reminder: Always monitor your altitude using your drone’s telemetry.
Official Reference: Refer to EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
5. Can I fly a drone in urban areas?
Yes, you can fly a drone in urban areas, but you must ensure that you respect the privacy of individuals and comply with local regulations. Additionally, you should avoid flying over crowds and sensitive locations (Reg 2019/947 Art. 11).
Example: If you're conducting aerial photography in a city, ensure that you're not capturing images of private property without consent.
Safety Reminder: Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid congested areas.
Official Reference: More details are available in EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
6. Do I need insurance to operate a drone commercially?
Yes, if you operate a drone for commercial purposes, you are required to have insurance that covers liability for damages to third parties (Reg 2019/945 Art. 20).
Example: If you are a commercial photographer using a drone, ensure that your insurance covers drone operations.
Safety Reminder: Check that your insurance policy meets the minimum requirements set by your local aviation authority.
Official Reference: See EASA Regulation 2019/945 .
7. What if I want to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)?
To operate BVLOS, you must apply for a specific operational authorization from your national authority, demonstrating that you have the necessary safety measures in place (Reg 2019/947 Art. 15).
Example: If you plan to use your drone for agricultural monitoring over large fields, you will need this authorization.
Safety Reminder: Always ensure you have reliable communication and tracking for BVLOS operations.
Official Reference: Refer to EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
8. How do I report a drone incident or accident?
In case of a drone incident or accident, report it to your national aviation authority as soon as possible. Most countries have specific forms and procedures for reporting such events (Reg 2019/947 Art. 20).
Example: If your drone collides with another object, document the incident and submit a report.
Safety Reminder: Keep a record of all incidents for your safety and compliance.
Official Reference: See EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
9. What are the penalties for flying without proper authorization?
Penalties can vary by country but may include fines, suspension of your flying privileges, or even criminal charges for serious violations (Reg 2019/947 Art. 24).
Example: If you fly your drone in restricted airspace without permission, you could face significant fines and legal action.
Safety Reminder: Always check airspace restrictions and obtain necessary permissions before flying.
Official Reference: Refer to EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
10. What should I do if I encounter another drone while flying?
If you encounter another drone, maintain a safe distance and avoid collisions. Always prioritize safety and adhere to the principle of "see and avoid" (Reg 2019/947 Art. 11).
Example: If you see another drone approaching, steer your drone away to prevent a potential collision.
Safety Reminder: Stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings while flying.
Official Reference: See EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
11. How can I ensure my drone is safe to fly?
Before each flight, conduct a pre-flight check, which includes inspecting the drone's battery, propellers, and control systems. This is crucial for safe operations (Reg 2019/947 Art. 16).
Example: Before flying, check that the battery is fully charged and that there are no visible damages to the propellers.
Safety Reminder: Regular maintenance and checks can prevent accidents and ensure reliable performance.
Official Reference: Refer to EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
12. What do I need to know about flying drones at night?
To operate at night, you must have appropriate lighting on your drone for visibility and ensure you have the necessary permissions from your national authority (Reg 2019/947 Art. 14).
Example: If you plan to conduct night aerial photography, ensure your drone is equipped with lights and you have obtained the required authorization.
Safety Reminder: Night flying poses additional risks; ensure you are fully prepared and aware of your surroundings.
Official Reference: See EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
13. What are the restrictions for flying in no-fly zones?
No-fly zones are established for safety and security reasons, such as around airports, military bases, or large public gatherings. You must not operate your drone in these areas unless authorized (Reg 2019/947 Art. 15).
Example: If you want to fly near a public event, check for temporary no-fly zones in that area.
Safety Reminder: Always respect no-fly zones to avoid legal penalties and ensure public safety.
Official Reference: Refer to EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
14. What should I do if my drone loses signal?
If your drone loses signal, it should automatically enter a failsafe mode, typically returning to its takeoff location. Familiarize yourself with your drone's specific failsafe features and settings (Reg 2019/947 Art. 16).
Example: If you lose signal while flying, your drone should autonomously return home, but ensure you have set this feature correctly beforehand.
Safety Reminder: Always test your drone's failsafe features before flight.
Official Reference: See EASA Regulation 2019/947 .
15. How often should I review UAS regulations?
You should review UAS regulations regularly, at least once a year or when you plan to conduct new operations. Regulations can change, and staying informed is crucial for compliance and safety (Reg 2019/947 Art. 4).
Example: Before starting a new project, check for any updates to the regulations that may affect your operations.
Safety Reminder: Regularly consulting official sources helps you avoid unintentional violations.
Official Reference: Refer to EASA Regulation 2019/947 .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 detailed information on UAS regulations, visit 120mAGL.com and stay updated on the latest developments in drone regulations across Europe.
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.