European Drone Regulations

Description

European drone regulations were governed primarily by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The rules that set out the framework for the safe operation of civil drones in Europe are laid out in EU Regulations 2019/947 and 2019/945. They adopt a risk-based approach, and as such, do not distinguish between leisure or commercial civil drone activities. What they consider is the weight and the specifications of the civil drone and the operation it is intended to conduct.

Regulation (EU) 2019/947, which is applicable since 31 December 2020 in all EU Member States, including Norway and Liechtenstein (it is expected that it will soon become applicable in Switzerland and Iceland too), caters for most types of civil drone operations and their levels of risk. It defines three categories of civil drone operations: the ‘open’, the ‘specific’ and the ‘certified’ category.

The rules are made up of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947, and the related acceptable means of compliance (AMC) and guidance material (GM), as well as Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 on unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and on third-country operators of UAS. 

The rule set with the AMC and GM are more easily read and understood in the Easy Access Rules format, which are always kept updated.

Here's a summary of the key points:

1. Drone Categories: EASA categorizes drones into three classes based on their weight and capabilities: Open, Specific, and Certified. Each class has its own set of regulations.

2. Open Category: This category covers low-risk operations. It's divided into three subcategories:
   - A1: For drones with a maximum takeoff mass (MTOM) of less than 250g, with restrictions on overflight of people.
   - A2: For drones with a MTOM of less than 4kg, with restrictions on the proximity to people.
   - A3: For drones with a MTOM of less than 25kg, with operations kept away from people.

3. Specific Category: For higher-risk operations, including flights over people or in sensitive areas. Operators must obtain operational authorization from the relevant national aviation authority.

4. Certified Category: Covers drones designed for operations with a high level of risk, like commercial air transport. These drones must undergo a thorough certification process.

5. Remote Pilot Competency: Operators need to demonstrate sufficient competency to fly drones safely, which may involve passing an online or in-person exam.

6. Geofencing and Identification Systems: Drones in certain categories may need to be equipped with geofencing technology to prevent them from flying into restricted areas. Additionally, they might need electronic identification systems for remote identification.

7. Registration: Drone operators may need to register themselves and their drones with the relevant aviation authority.

8. Insurance: Depending on the category and intended use, drone operators might need liability insurance.

These regulations aim to ensure the safe integration of drones into European airspace while considering factors like privacy, security, and environmental concerns. It's essential to check the latest updates from EASA or the relevant national aviation authority, as regulations can evolve over time.

For more information please visit the official EASA website : https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/regulations/unmanned-aircraft-systems-uas

or write to : drones@easa.europa.eu