Since December 31, 2020, common drone regulations have been in force across the European Union countries as well as in Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. These regulations are based on the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 of 12 March 2019 on unmanned aircraft systems and third-country operators of unmanned aircraft systems and the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947 of 24 May 2019 on the rules and procedures for the operation of unmanned aircraft.
EASA has developed common European rules to ensure the free movement of drones and equal operating conditions for all UAS operators within the European Union. Thanks to the new regulations, UAS operators can seamlessly conduct drone operations while traveling across the EU or expanding their drone-related business in Europe. The described rules are based on operational risk assessment and ensure a balance between the responsibilities of drone manufacturers and operators regarding safety, privacy, environmental protection, noise mitigation, and security.
Open Category:
In this category, operations can be conducted within the pilot’s visual line of sight or with the help of an observer (VLOS), using drones weighing less than 25 kg and flying no higher than 120 meters above the nearest point on the ground. Registration in the System is required for UAS operators who own drones weighing more than 250g or equipped with a data-gathering sensor (e.g., a camera).
- A1: Fly over people, but not over gatherings of people;
- A2: Fly close to people. Minimum horizontal distance from individuals is 30 m, or 5 m if the drone has a speed limitation function;
- A3: Fly far from people. Minimum horizontal distance from residential, commercial, industrial, or recreational areas is 150 m.
| Class “C” | Take-off weight | Subcategory | Is registration required? | Pilot competence | Minimum pilot age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C0 | <250g | A1 | YES* | A1/A3 | No minimum age |
| C1 | <900g | A1 | YES | A1/A3 | 16 years |
| C2 | <4kg | A2 | YES | A2 | 16 years |
| C3 | <25kg | A3 | YES | A3 | 16 years |
| C4 | <25kg | A3 | YES | A3 | 16 years |
| privately built | <25kg | A3 | YES | A3 | 16 years |
| other than C0–C4 | <25kg | A3 | YES | A3 | 16 years |
Specific Category
is intended for medium-risk operations whose flight parameters exceed those of the “open” category. Performing such operations requires verification and, in some cases, approval from the Civil Aviation Authority. When conducting operations in the specific category, UAS operators must be registered.
Certified Category
is a high-risk category. Operations require UAS certification under Regulation (EU) 2019/945. Where appropriate, based on risk assessment, the competent authority may also require operator certification and licensing of the remote pilot. Operations are classified under the certified category only when the following conditions are met:
- over assemblies of people;
- involve the transport of people;
- involve the transport of dangerous goods that, in case of an accident, may pose a high risk to third parties.