Flying a drone in Europe

Classes

Drones are systematically classified into various classes according to their technical characteristics. The classification comprises a total of seven categories (C0 to C6). Each class defines specific technical requirements such as weight, speed, maximum flight altitude, and safety functions. Manufacturers are required to clearly mark their drones with a CE mark and the corresponding class label so that pilots and authorities can clearly identify the drone.

Categories

In addition to classification, flight maneuvers are divided into three main categories according to their risk potential:

• Open Category is suitable for low-risk flights
• Specific Category is intended for more complex or higher-risk operations. An individual risk assessment is required here. Permitted for C5 and C6 drones.
• Certified Category for high-risk operations such as transporting people

The Open Category is divided into three subcategories:

• Open Category A1 (over people)
  • Overflight of uninvolved persons allowed
  • Overflight of assemblies of people prohibited
  • Permitted classes: C0, C1
• Open Category A2 (close to people)
  • Overflight of persons prohibited
  • Minimum distance to persons 30m (5m in low-speed mode)
  • Permitted classes: C2
• Open Category A3 (far from people)
  • Overflight of persons prohibited
  • Flight only in areas where no people are expected
  • Permitted classes: C0 – C4

Qualification (License)

Small Drone License (A1/A3)

For drone classes C1 – C4, the small drone license (EU Proof of Competence A1/A3) is required. For this, you simply need to complete an online training course with a final multiple-choice test at the Federal Aviation Office (LBA). Cost approx. €25. I recommend taking the test even if you only want to fly a C0 drone. It makes perfect sense to know all the rules before you start flying.

Big Drone License (A2)

The big drone license (EU Remote Pilot Certificate A2) is required for pilots of C2 drones who wish to fly up to 30 m (in low-speed mode 5 m) close to uninvolved persons. Without this certificate, you must maintain a distance of 150 m with a C2 drone (as in A3). It builds on the A1/A3 certificate and also includes practical self-training and a theory exam at a certified examination center. Cost approx. €70–300.

Registration & Insurance

To register your drone, you absolutely need liability insurance – no matter how small it is or whether you only fly for fun. New liability insurance policies often automatically include drone damages. If your current insurance does not cover aircraft, you should switch to a modern tariff or take out inexpensive supplementary insurance.

Your drone registration takes place via the official website of the Federal Aviation Office. For registration, you need a copy of your ID card (front & back) or passport and the policy number of your liability insurance. Cost approx. €20. After registration, you will receive your personal e-ID.

Here’s a list of some EU offices

Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK

What do I do with the e-ID?

This is what your e-ID looks like: DEU 1234567890 xyz - abc Never share the full e-ID with third parties!

It must be attached to the outside of the drone. A simple, easily readable sticker is sufficient. Previously, it was mandatory to attach a fireproof badge. Use the shortened version for your sticker (without the part after the hyphen), i.e., DEU 1234567890 xyz

Additionally, enter the full e-ID in your flight app. See also Remote ID

Remote ID

Remote ID (Direct Remote Identification) is a system for the digital remote identification of drones. You can think of it as a “digital license plate”. The goal is for authorities (and theoretically anyone with a smartphone app) to be able to identify a drone in flight without having to physically capture it.

Which drones must be equipped with Remote ID in the EU?

All certified drones of classes C1, C2, C3, C5, and C6.
Drones of class C0 (under 250 g) and C4 (model aircraft) do not need to support Remote ID. Here it is sufficient to attach a sticker with the e-ID.
Attention! Outside the EU, other rules apply here. In Japan, for example, C0 drones must also support Remote ID. You can find more about this here: Flying a drone in Japan

What data is sent via Remote ID?

The drone permanently transmits the following data via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth:

• e-ID of the pilot (UAS operator number)
• Serial number of the drone
• Current position of the drone (GPS coordinates + altitude)
• Course and speed of the drone
• Location of the pilot (or the starting point of the drone)

Does my drone have Remote ID?

It is best to check the manufacturer’s website to see if your drone has Remote ID built-in.

• Certified drones from 2022 onwards generally have Remote ID installed ex-works.
• Older drones (legacy drones) do not require Remote ID for flights in the Open Category A1 and A3. They may continue to fly as before (under the rules for legacy drones). For flights in the Specific Category or in special “Geographical Areas” (Geo-Zones), an external Remote ID module must be retrofitted.

How do I activate Remote ID?

First, you have to “set up” Remote ID for your drones. To do this, you simply have to store your e-ID in your flight app. In the DJI Fly App, you can find this item under Settings and “Safety” or “Remote ID”.

You do not need to activate Remote ID; this usually happens automatically. Tip: Download a Drone Scanner App to your mobile phone. If you see your drone on the app’s radar, it works.