Since 31 December 2020, a single set of drone rules has applied in all EU member states, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. That makes cross-border work simpler. This is what every client needs to know.
Three categories
- Open category (A1/A2/A3), lower risk. Most professional flights. No prior permission from the aviation authority is needed, as long as the flight stays within the conditions of subcategory A1, A2 or A3.
- Specific category, increased risk. For flights outside those conditions, such as in a town centre close to uninvolved persons or beyond visual line of sight. This requires a declaration based on a standard scenario (STS) or an operational authorisation based on a SORA risk assessment.
- Certified category, high risk. For example, for carrying people or dangerous goods.
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Obligations for every operator
- Registration. Anyone flying a drone with a camera in Belgium registers with the Belgian Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA). The operator ID is displayed on every aircraft.
- Pilot certificate. Depending on the aircraft and the distance from people: an online exam (A1/A3), supplemented by a theory exam and a declaration of practical training (A2).
- Remote ID. Drones with class label C1, C2 or C3 broadcast their identification live during the flight.
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Limits in the Open category
- Maximum height: 120 metres above the ground
- Line of sight: the drone always stays within the pilot's sight, without aids such as binoculars
- Distance from people: each subcategory has minimum distances from uninvolved persons. In the Open category, flights never take place over crowds.
If a project falls outside those limits, it moves to the Specific category. HOVVR flies there on the basis of an operational authorisation. The Belgian implementation, with geozones and application lead times, is set out on the Drone regulations in Belgium page.