Those using drones with a mass exceeding 250 g or drones equipped with a camera must register as a drone operator, familiarise themselves with drone operation and in most cases pass an examination regardless of whether they use the drone for hobby or professional purposes. Operating in the ‘open’ category does not, however, require a separate operational authorisation.
Find out where and on what conditions you can fly a drone after 1 January 2024
The following general requirements must be met when operating in the open category
- The maximum attainable height above ground or sea level must not exceed 120 metres
- The operation must be carried out on visual line of sight (VLOS)
- During flight, the unmanned aircraft shall not carry dangerous goods or drop items
- Unmanned aircraft systems must be kept at a safe distance from people and they must not be flown above assemblies of people
- The operation must take the prohibited, restricted and danger areas of aviation as well as UAS geographical zones into account
- More information on registration
- C-Class marking (notice exceptions):
Operation sub-categories A1–A3
UAS operations in the ‘open’ category shall be divided into three sub-categories: A1–A3. You can find further information on the rules of each sub-category, boundary conditions and restrictions under the headings below.
If the operation cannot be performed in accordance with the terms specified above, the operation requires a separate authorisation. Click the link below to find instructions on how to apply for an operational authorisation for ‘specific’ category operation.