UAS/Drones
Do you have a UAS/dron?
- Registration as operator: All users intending to fly a drone** must register as operators at the AESA website and obtain the operator number according to European regulations (UAS Operator Registration section). Once the operator number has been obtained, this number should be visibly included in the drone.
- Training as a pilot: To fly a drone you must have a minimum of qualifying training depending on the operational category in which it is operated. The training and examination of knowledge in order to operate a drone in an open category, subcategories A1 and A3, is accessible via the AESA website (UAS Pilot Training section). The training is telematic and free and after passing the online exam AESA will issue you a certificate.
- Availability of compulsory liability insurance: an insurance policy covering civil liability against third parties for damages that may arise during and for the execution of each flight carried out, both for recreational and professional purposes, must be contracted. More information on insurance in the section of European UAS/drones regulations
- Flight rules: The flight of drones is subject to general rules of operation conditioned, among others, by the weight of the drone, the presence of other people and the proximity to buildings. You can consult the different operational categories in the section “UAS operations/drones”.
- Place of flight: In addition to the general rules of drone operation, there are limitations on drone flight at certain locations for different reasons: proximity of aerodromes, military zones, protection of critical infrastructure, environmental protection, etc. See the section “Flight with UAS/drones” for flight requirements in the different areas of Spain.
- Direct Distance Identification System ("DRI"): Operators wishing to fly with open category UAS/drones (A1, A2 and A3) that have class marking (C1, C2 and C3) as well as those wishing to operate in a specific category (under national and European standard scenario or under authorisation) shall be equipped with a direct distance identification system ("DRI"). In relation to this requirement, UAS/drones must have a unique serial number according to ANSI/CTA-2063-A-2019. See the section "Design and production of UAS/drones" for more information
- Registration of aircraft in the Ministry of the Interior: Unmanned aircraft with an MTOM of 250 g or more or equipped with a sensor capable of capturing personal data must be registered with the Ministry of the Interior in a manner that allows the aircraft data to be linked to the owner of the UAS. A notification must also be made to the Ministry of the Interior whenever there is a purchase, transfer of ownership, loss or inability to operate the UAS.
- Minimum age of pilots: The minimum age for remote pilots shall be sixteen years, with exceptions applying in the "open" category, where the minimum age may be reduced depending on the class of UAS to be operated. See the paragraph “UAS/Drone Operations - Open Category” for more information.
Minimum requirements for flying any drone from 31 December 2020
Since 31 December 2020 the European regulations of UAS (drones) have been applicable. This standard affects all drones regardless of their use* (recreative or professional) or size/weight. This section collects the minimum obligations to be fulfilled before flying any drone:
*Except non-EASA activities (Fire Fight, Search and Rescue, Police, Customs, etc.)
** Except for the exceptions set out in the “open category operations” or if you have been hired as a remote pilot or fly for another person, in which case the registration is the drone operating organisation.
