Madrid, 20 August 2024 (AESA)

The entry into force of the new Royal Decree 517/2024, which develops the legal regime for the civil use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), brought about modifications in certain requirements applicable to model aircraft.

Therefore, from the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA), in its commitment to the public service, will organize on September 11 the first information day for the activity of model aircraft . In this meeting, which will be held online from 9 to 13 hours, they will detail the main changes that this new regulation has brought, in addition to solving the main doubts of the attendees.

All those who want to attend the day must register at the following link.

You can consult the agenda of the day here.

 

Main novelties for model aircraft operators

The new Royal Decree 517/2024 entered into force on June 25 and introduced several modifications for the model aircraft activity, among which are:

- Reduction of minimum insurance requirements in certain operational categories,
- Modification of the minimum ages of remote pilots,
- Definition of new Geographical Areas of UAS or,
- Amendment of RD 1919/2009 that regulates civil aerial demonstrations.

All the information is available in the model aircraft section of the AESA website.

We recall that model aircraft and model aircraft are subject to compliance with Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 and in addition to the provisions of Royal Decree 517/2024 of 4 June.

 

Availability of liability insurance

The new Royal Decree introduces important innovations in the field of insurance, responding to the demand of model aircraft operators and relaxing the requirements for low-risk operations.

With regard to the availability of civil liability insurance, among others, the obligation to have operations with model aircraft insured has been abolished:

- In the ‘open’ category, within subcategory A3, provided that they are carried out with aircraft of an MTOM of less than 20 kilograms.

Model aircraft operators with unmanned aircraft with an MTOM of 20 kilograms or more must be insured in accordance with Regulation 785/2004.

Additionally, the possibility of contracting insurance for specific operations is contemplated, not being necessary to contract a policy on a permanent basis.

 

Minimum ages of remote pilots

Article 7 of Royal Decree 517/2024 provides for a reduction in the minimum ages for remote pilots to operate in the open category without the direct supervision of a pilot over 16 years of age, as permitted by Article 9 of the Implementing Regulation.

In the "open" category, within subcategory A3 the minimum age is reduced to 14 years.

 

New requirements for Geographical Areas

In addition to the general rules of operation depending on the operational category, depending on the place of operation, model aircraft operators may be subject to compliance with other requirements or find flight limited or prohibited.

The geographical areas of UAS that establish the conditions of use of airspace and the requirements for additional equipment have been established in Chapter V of Royal Decree 517/2024, where recreational and professional activities are equated, unifying the requirements and limitations for all.

The following guide provides detailed information on flight requirements and limitations at certain locations such as: controlled airspace or FIZ, in the environment of aerodromes or heliports, in urban environments and on critical infrastructures, among others:

ENAIRE makes the ENAIRE Drones web application available to UAS users. This application presents, on the map of Spain, the geographical areas of UAS and the prohibitions and limitations of flight to UAS.

 

Aerial demonstrations

The second final provision of Royal Decree 517/2024 amends Royal Decree 1919/2009 of 11 December 2009 regulating aviation safety in civil air demonstrations.

This amendment entails alignment with European legislation according to the operational category, as regards in particular requirements for:

- Operators,
- Pilots,
- Aeromodels and,
- Distance to the public.

Operations shall comply with the conditions of the UAS geographical areas that are applicable to the demonstration site, and the publication of NOTAM is not mandatory for demonstrations below 120 m from the nearest point on the Earth's surface. Such publication is subject to the criterion, for safety reasons, of the director of the demonstration.

With regard to emergency plans and equipment, the demonstration manager shall determine the aeronautical emergency services required for safety reasons, where the air demonstration does not take place at an airport or other class of aerodrome open to air traffic.

Finally, it should be noted that insurance for aerial demonstration should only be increased for participating model aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of more than 20 kg.

See you next September 11th to delve into more detail and resolve any doubts about aeromodels. Sign up!