BLOG POSTS
WHAT DO I NEED TO FLY A DRONE?
If you are new to the drone industry and starting from scratch, this article is a good starting point. Below we will explain the main points you need to have to start flying!
How to Register as a UAS Operator
Drones have become increasingly popular in recent years, and their use has expanded to many fields, from package delivery to photography and video. However, with the increase in drone popularity, there have also been increasing concerns about safety and privacy. To ensure safety, the European Union has introduced a registration requirement for all drone pilots.
Starting from January 1st, 2021, all individuals or companies who want to fly drones must register as a UAS operator in the country where they reside. This registration is valid throughout the EU and allows pilots to legally and safely operate their drones in the European airspace.
The registration process is simple and can be done online. Users or companies must provide basic information about themselves, such as their name, address and contact details. In addition, they must agree to comply with all European regulations and standards on drone flight. To find the UAS operator registration page in your country, we recommend that you access the following article: How to Fly Drones in the EU?
Registration as a UAS operator is mandatory for all pilots, including those who use drones for commercial or recreational purposes. However, there are some cases where operator registration is not required, although they are very exceptional.
After registering as a UAS operator, you will receive a certificate with your name and data, as well as a registration number that will be used to identify you as a drone operator, request permits, etc.
Drone Pilot Training Requirements
Training is essential for drone pilots and is now mandatory to fly almost all UAS. However, the required training will depend on the type of drone to be flown and the scenario in which it is used.
For example, the training required to fly a 250 gram drone will be different from that required for a 900 gram or 15 kg drone, and it will also be different if it is flown in the city or in an open space. Each scenario and type of drone will determine the training required for the pilot.
If you do not know in which category you will fly the drone, you can consult our article on Open Category and Specific Category.
Drone training for Open Category
Drones under 250 grams, subcategory A1 and A3
No training is required to fly drones weighing less than 250 g. Just knowing the manufacturer’s instructions is enough to operate these drones in the open category.
Drones over 250 grams for subcategory A1 and A3
A1/A3 training must be completed, which can commonly be done online and includes both theory and an exam. We can use these drones in Open Category A1 up to 900 grams, and in A3 up to 25 kg.
Drones over 900 grams for subcategory A2
If they are going to be operated in urban environments, close to people or buildings…
Specific Category Drone Training
The specific category training is primarily designed for the standard scenarios STS-01 and STS-02. During the transitional period, each member state has defined its own curriculum and method of delivering the training, adapting it to its own national scenario versions.
Regulations for Drone Flight
Now that we are registered as an operator and have completed the training, all that’s left is to go flying! To do this, it’s important to know and follow the air rules. At this point, it’s very important to understand that there are European-level regulations for flying drones, but these delegate certain points to national regulations. Additionally, during the transitional period, in some cases, national regulations may still have considerable weight, defining quite different regulations between member states.
If you need help setting up your drone operator, training or any other process or permit, do not hesitate to consult our services.