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How to fly Drones in Spain 🇪🇸
Since EU Regulation is still in transition period, conducting some flights in Spain can be tricky. Here are some tips of what you will need:
Open Category (A1, A2, A3)
Authorisations & permits
- EU Operator Number: it doesn’t have to be Spanish.
- Airspace pre-coordination: in case you are flying in a controlled airspace. You can check all Spanish airspaces here.
- Coordinations: you shall coordinate your flights with the following authorities:
- Urban areas
- Military aerodromes
- Civil aerodromes
- Natural Parks
- Restricted areas
- Harbours
Equipment
- Drone with insurance that covers operations in Spain
- Air-band radio (only in case you are flying in controlled airspace)
- Ground impact limitation system such as parachute, airbag… (for urban scenarios)
Training
- A1, A2, A3 from any CAA from of the EASA Member States
- Spanish Radiophonist certificate (only if you are flying in controlled airspace): Radiophonist certificates from other countries will not be valid. European Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) will be accepted.
Specific Category (STS-ES-01, STS-ES-02)
Authorisations & permits
- EU Operator Number: it doesn’t have to be Spanish.
- STS Operation Manuals: a manual that contains all the procedures, emergency response plan, aircraft characterisation…
- Airspace pre-coordination: in case you are flying in a controlled airspace. You can check all Spanish airspaces here.
- Coordinations:
- Urban areas
- Military aerodromes
- Civil aerodromes
- Natural Parks
- Restricted areas
- Harbours
Equipment
- Drone with insurance that covers operations in Spain
- Air-band radio (only in case you are flying in controlled airspace)
- Ground impact limitation system such as parachute, airbag… (for urban scenarios)
Training
- A1, A2, A3 from any CAA from the European Union
- STS-ES-01 and/or STS-ES-02 from a Spanish Training School. STS Training from other countries will not be valid.
- Spanish Radiophonist certificate (only if you are flying in controlled airspace): Radiophonist certificates from other countries will not be valid. European Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) will be accepted.
As you have seen, flying in the Open Category is much easier compared to the Specific one. In the Specific one, you also have to count with an STS Operations Manual and STS Training.
EU Drone Port™ is at your disposal to help you make your flights in Spain 100% compliant.