Approvals & Law
The operation of drones in Europe is subject to a uniform legal framework. The key regulations are the European requirements of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as well as their national implementation and jurisdictions in Germany, which for Bavaria is the Federal Aviation Office (LBA).
The requirements for a drone flight depend on several factors: the intended purpose, the type and weight of the UAS, the area of operation, and the specific operational scenario. The rules are based on the risk that a flight poses to people on the ground and to other air traffic. The higher this risk, the stricter the requirements for the drone, remote pilot, and operator. Generally, a distinction is made between three operational categories, and the five questions below will help you categorise your planned flight.
Open Category
For drone flights with a comparatively low operational risk. Prior official approval is generally not required, provided the respective operating conditions are met, such as flight within visual line of sight and a maximum flight altitude of 120 metres. Registration and proof of competence remain mandatory here as well.
Specific Category
For drone flights with an increased operational risk that exceed the limits of the open category, such as flights beyond visual line of sight or over uninvolved persons. An operational authorisation from the competent aviation authority is usually required here. This is based on a risk assessment of the planned operation. For certain, clearly defined types of operation, there are standard scenarios that simplify the procedure.
Certified Category
For drone flights with a high operational risk, such as over assemblies of people, involving the carriage of persons, or the transport of dangerous goods. A certified drone is a prerequisite. Additionally, the operator is approved and, if necessary, the remote pilot is licensed. The competent authority in Germany is the Federal Aviation Office (LBA).
Which category applies to your operation?
Five preliminary questions
These questions help to assess your flight operations – you should consider these in advance.
-
01 What is the drone intended to do? Images and videos / sensor data / transport and dropping / seeds etc.
It all starts with the intended purpose. It determines which rules apply to your flight and which approvals you may need. Therefore, first consider what you want to achieve with the drone:
- Capturing images or videos
- Collecting sensor data, for example for inspection or surveying
- Transporting or dropping objects
- Spreading seeds
-
02 Which drone? Weight / class / technical equipment etc.
The drone itself helps determine the requirements placed on you and your operation. Have the most important key data ready in advance:
- Weight (take-off mass)
- Class identification (for example C0 to C4) or legacy drone without a class
- Technical equipment, such as camera or sensors
- Capabilities such as Remote ID or geofencing
-
03 Where is the flight to take place? Residential area / open field / industry / infrastructure / nature conservation / airport etc.
The location of use determines whether you are free to fly or must observe restrictions and approvals. Consider the environment in which the flight is to take place:
- Residential area or open field
- Industrial and commercial areas
- Infrastructure such as roads, railway facilities, or energy supply
- Nature reserves
- Airports and their surroundings
It is also important to know whether there are people at the location who are not involved in the flight.
-
04 How is the flight to be conducted? Within visual line of sight / beyond visual line of sight / altitude / distance to persons etc.
The type of flight also influences which rules apply. Clarify in advance:
- Within visual line of sight (VLOS) or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
- Flight altitude
- Distance to persons and assemblies of people
-
05 What additional restrictions apply? Geographical zones / data protection / nature conservation / property rights / air traffic etc.
In addition to the basic rules of flight operation, there are further requirements that you should not overlook:
- Geographical zones with restrictions
- Data protection when recording persons
- Nature conservation, for example breeding and nesting seasons
- Property rights regarding the land
- Air traffic, such as control zones or temporary closures
- Insurance cover
It is also important to note that some restrictions can change at short notice. Therefore, check the current situation before every flight.
We are happy to assist you with any further questions. Under Networks, you will also find many other partners and links, including to the LBA or dipul.
The information on this page is for guidance purposes and does not replace the applicable legal regulations or official decisions. The current publications of the competent authorities and the European Union are authoritative.