August 12 Solar Eclipse: recommendations for safe air operation

• Operations with UAS/drones on agglomerations of persons are not allowed, either in open category or in operations under operational declaration (standard scenarios).
• All airspace users should properly plan the flight, exercise visual surveillance and attend to the coincidence of different air activities in the same zone and time slot.
• Light changes in visual flight rules (VFR) operations should be addressed. According to the regulations, flying during the eclipse is not considered night flight.
• Balloons, delta wings or paragliders have to take into account the effects of sharp reduction of solar radiation and temperature changes.

Madrid, 10 August 2026 (AESA)

On August 12, 2026, a solar eclipse of special relevance for Spain will take place, an astronomical phenomenon that will attract many people to different observation points and that, predictably, will increase the activity of different airspace users.

From the State Aviation Safety Agency (AESA) we want to remember the importance of carrying out an adequate planning of air operations and adopt the necessary measures to preserve safety during the development of this event.
 

Source: National Geographic Institute

- Operations with UAS/drones

Eclipse recording or imaging may arouse interest among UAS/drone operators. If you plan to carry out UAS operations near observation points or in areas with a large influx of public, keep in mind that any flight must be carried out in compliance with current regulations.

Before the operation, you must have the necessary training to do so, be registered as a UAS operator in AESA, have the required qualifications, consult previously the possible limitations of the airspace and make the necessary coordinations.

You can consult the basic requirements to operate UAS/drones on the AESA website: https://www.seguridadaerea.gob.es/en/ambitos/drones/tienes-un-uas-dron 

The presence of drones in areas with a high concentration of people can generate risk situations, especially in a context of changing light conditions and a high influx of observers. Therefore, we remind you that you should not carry out operations with UAS on agglomerations of people, neither in open category nor in operations carried out under operational declaration using standard scenarios. 

In addition, in the band of totality of the eclipse, the decrease in luminosity can occur very quickly, making it difficult to visually contact both the aircraft and other airspace users. Plan the operation with this effect in mind and interrupt it if the required visibility is compromised.

It is recalled that in case of detecting an improper use of a drone, immediately notify the State Security Forces and Bodies.

- Increased influx of airspace users

The uniqueness of this phenomenon may motivate an increase in air activity associated with flights of general aviation, sports, aerial work, helicopter flights for filming and photography, radio soundings using light balloons, operations with UAS and tourist flights oriented to the observation of the eclipse.

This, combined with low-rise operation, changing light conditions and increased traffic in high-flux areas, requires rigorous visual attention.

It is recommended to pay particular attention to cables and other obstacles, especially in operations below the usual cruising altitudes, since the reduction of contrast during the eclipse can make them practically invisible from the air.

It is important that all airspace users maintain adequate flight planning, that visual surveillance is extreme and that the possible coincidence of different air activities in the same zone and time slot is taken into account.

From the AESA we recommend a correct preparation of the flight, the consultation of the available aeronautical information and compliance with the applicable procedures to ensure a safe coexistence between the different operations planned during the eclipse.

- Change in visibility and light conditions

Pilots and flight operators following visual flight rules (VFR) should pay special attention to the possible effects of the eclipse during flight.

Although there is a significant reduction in ambient luminosity, especially in the areas near the strip of totality, flying during the eclipse is not considered night flight, in accordance with current regulations. Therefore, the hours of ortho, sunset and civil twilight published for 12 August 2026 remain unchanged, as do the periods of daytime and nighttime visual flight (VFR).

However, the light reduction associated with the eclipse is an operational factor to take into account during the preparation and execution of the flight:

• In the northern half of the peninsula, the loss of luminosity will be concentrated mainly in the moments before the total phase, producing a rapid and very noticeable darkening.
• In the areas of Spain where the eclipse will be partial, the decrease in light may also be significant, being able to reach very high percentages of darkening according to the geographical location. This does not necessarily imply lower operational risk.
   

Operators and pilots should assess this factor in their risk assessment process. The decision on the viability of the operation is up to the operator himself, depending on the conditions of visibility at the place of the flight to always ensure safety. In any case, the operation must have the minimum visual security conditions required.

On the other hand, direct observation of the eclipse can bring certain risks to vision. It is recommended not to use eclipse observation goggles during the flight, as they reduce external vision at the times when it is most necessary, and avoid any distractions while operating.

- Atmospheric conditions

The sudden reduction of solar radiation during the eclipse momentarily interrupts the usual warming of the surface. With the return of sunlight, the atmosphere warms again and both wind and local convection can vary rapidly.

This effect is usually not noticeable for most motorized aircraft, but can be significant for hot air balloons, gliders, delta wings and paragliders. In the case of balloons, the return phase of sunlight is usually the most demanding, with changes in temperature and wind that can make it difficult to control the aircraft. It is recommended to carefully assess the convenience of operating during this period and to exercise extreme caution against possible rapid changes in thermal and wind conditions.

The phenomenon is a unique opportunity to enjoy an astronomical event, and from AESA we remind all airspace users of the importance of planning operations in advance, respecting the applicable regulations and taking the necessary measures to ensure the safety of operations.