Do you have a UAS/dron? Know the minimum requirements to fly safely

Minimum requirements for flying any drone as of December 31, 2020

Since December 31, 2020, the European regulations of UAS (drones) apply. This standard affects all drones regardless of their use* (recreational or professional) or size/weight. This section compiles the minimum obligations to comply with before flying any drone:

- Registration as an operator: All users intending to fly a drone** must register as operators at the AESA website and obtain the operator number according to Europeanregulations (UAS Operator Registration Section). Once the operator number is obtained, it must be included in the drone visibly.

- Train as a pilot: To fly a drone you must have a minimum of accredited training depending on the operational category in which it is operated. The training and examination of knowledge to be able to operate an open category drone, subcategories A1 and A3, is accessible through the AESA website (UAS pilot training section). The training is telematic and free of charge and after passing the AESA online exam will issue you a certificate.

- Availability of compulsory liability insurance: you must have an insurance policy that covers civil liability against third parties for damages that may arise during and because of the execution of each flight that is made, both for recreational and professional purposes. More information on insurance in the section of European Regulations of UAS/drones

- Flight rules: The drone flight 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 “UAS/drones operations” section, where it also has a questionnaire that will help you to know in which operational category the intended flights would be framed and instructions to carry them out (link to the questionnaire)

- Place of flight: In addition to the general rules of drone operation, there are limitations to drone flight in certain places motivated by different reasons: proximity of aerodromes, military zones, protection of critical infrastructures, environmental protection, etc. See the section “Flight with UAS/drones” to know the flight requirements in the different areas of Spain.

- Direct Distance Identification System ("DRI"): operators wishing to fly with UAS/drones in open category (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 remote 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.

_{*Except non-EASA activities (Fire Fighting, Search and Rescue, Police, Customs, etc.)}

_{** With the exception of the exceptions indicated in the section “Operations open category” or if you have been hired as a remote pilot or fly for another person, in which case the operator organisation of the drone must register.}